A woman who was drunk and disruptive in the accident and emergency department at Tallaght University Hospital has been given a suspended sentence. Kimberly Riordan (33), of Shancastle Lawns, Clondalkin, Dublin 22, pleaded guilty at Tallaght District Court to a public order offence. On 10 December last year, she was abusive towards security staff, was intoxicated, unsteady on her feet, and slurring her words, leading to gardaí being called. The court heard that Riordan has around 120 previous convictions, many alcohol-related, and is currently in custody serving a sentence for public order and theft offences, with a release date in May. Defence counsel said she was remorseful and had not consumed alcohol since being in custody. Riordan told the judge she was feeling shaky due to the lack of alcohol. She had previously engaged with the Simon Community and residential treatment but relapsed after a temporary release. She remains welcome to return to treatment. Counsel said she had worked in pubs, which contributed to her alcohol issues, and she would not return to that type of work.
A man who participated in the arson of a car to warn the owner to pay a drug debt has been sentenced. Dylan Deegan pleaded guilty to damaging the car by fire in a parking lot. He had 22 previous convictions for offenses including robbery and assault. Judge Martin Nolan noted that Deegan was involved due to his own drug debt and under coercion. The arson posed no significant danger to others. Deegan received a 21-month sentence, backdated to when he went into custody. CCTV footage showed Deegan breaking the car window and pouring accelerant. His defense highlighted his difficult childhood, poor mental health, and drug addiction, asking the court to consider his guilty plea and the psychological report submitted.
A 45-year-old man with a long criminal record has been jailed for six and a half years for hijacking a car and threatening a woman with violence. Joseph Rafferty, identified by a port-wine birthmark, was sentenced by Judge Orla Crowe after pleading guilty to multiple offences, including stealing a woman's iPhone and dental veneers during the hijacking. He also admitted to robbing a service station and attempting another robbery later that evening. The judge described the incidents as a series of violent crimes by a repeat offender. She noted the terror inflicted on the victim, who was cleaning her car when Rafferty threatened her with death. The woman was forced to jump from the moving vehicle, and her personal items were not recovered. Rafferty, who has 61 previous convictions, including lengthy prison sentences, was also found to have a history of drug addiction and a difficult upbringing. His defence highlighted his remorse and intention to rehabilitate. The judge imposed a seven-and-a-half-year sentence, with the final year suspended.
A former employee of DID Electrical, Magdi Ba, has been sentenced to two years in prison for stealing over €129,000 worth of electronic items from the company over a three-year period. Ba, who had access to the warehouse, sold the stolen goods to a second-hand shop, CEX. The court heard that suspicions were raised when a warehouse manager noticed missing items, and CCTV footage showed Ba in the vault at the time. A detailed investigation by gardai revealed that Ba had sold 371 items, with the total loss to DID Electrical amounting to €129,651. Ba had initially denied the theft but later admitted to taking the items. Judge Orla Crowe described the offense as a 'consistent breach of trust' and emphasized the need for a custodial sentence. Ba had forfeited €67,000 from two bank accounts and his car before being sentenced.
Philip Dwyer, the appellant, appeared before the District Court Appeals Court regarding his conviction for failing to comply with a garda's direction to move on under section 8 of the Criminal Justice (Public Order) Act 1994. Dwyer, who was live-streaming during a riot at the former Crown Paints factory in Coolock, had previously been convicted in the District Court after denying the charge. He received a two-month suspended sentence and a 500 euro fine. On appeal, defence counsel argued that only 17 seconds elapsed between the direction and the arrest, suggesting Dwyer was not given a fair opportunity to comply. The court also heard that the senior garda identified Dwyer as a "right wing agitator online," a description Dwyer alleged was biased. Judge Ronan Munro indicated that he was inclined to dismiss the case under section 1(1) of the Probation of Offenders Act, 1907, leaving Dwyer without a conviction. This proposed disposal is conditional on Dwyer paying 200 euro to the garda benevolent fund within four weeks. The judge expressed concern over the rapidity of the arrest but noted that Dwyer's refusal to answer questions demonstrated non-compliance. The matter was adjourned until February 24 to confirm that the payment has been made.
A 23-year-old man who was on a suspended sentence for aggravated burglary and assault when he threatened to kill another motorist who overtook him has been sent for a probation report. Sean Maher pleaded guilty to making a threat to kill or cause serious harm. The incident occurred on Convent Road, Blackrock, when Maher revved his engine after being overtaken and threatened the other driver. The injured party did not attend court. The defence said Maher was suffering from depression and ADHD and was changing medication at the time. Judge Anne Watkin questioned whether the medication was being used as an excuse and noted Maher's previous convictions. She adjourned the case for a probation report to assess his medical situation and the likelihood of reoffending.
A 79-year-old man who sexually abused his daughter during her childhood, telling her they had a 'special love' her mother would be jealous of, has been jailed for seven years. Gordon McKenna pleaded guilty to indecently assaulting his daughter at various locations, including the family home in Tallaght, Dublin, on mountain biking trips and at the cinema, between 1977 and 1983. Ms Justice Melanie Greally acknowledged the unquantifiable harm caused to the victim by her father and noted the extreme abuse of trust by a parent who was also her primary carer. She imposed concurrent sentences of 16 months for the earlier offences and a consecutive term of five years and eight months for the later offences. The victim, who waived her right to anonymity, described the abuse as having a profound impact on her sense of self and her ability to form relationships. The judge took into account McKenna's guilty plea, his advanced age, and his medical conditions, but noted the severity of the abuse and its long-term psychological effects on the victim.
A repeat offender, Liam Houston (40), of Kiltalown Road, Tallaght, has had an additional five months added to his prison sentence for cocaine offences. Houston pleaded guilty to possession of cocaine for sale or supply and simple possession before Judge Peter White at Tallaght District Court. The court heard that Houston was found in possession of cocaine valued at €550 in November 2019. He has a history of 55 previous convictions, including one drug conviction. Judge White imposed a five-month prison sentence for the Section 15 offence, which will run consecutively to a four-year prison term for assault offences he has been serving since May 2024. The simple possession offence was dealt with under the Probation Act. Houston is currently serving his sentence in Mountjoy Prison.
An uninsured motorist who believed he was covered when stopped by gardaí has avoided a driving ban after appearing before Tallaght District Court. Claudius Dsouza (44), of Marybrook Village, Portlaoise, Co Laois pleaded guilty to driving without insurance and failing to produce an insurance certificate. The court heard that Mr Dsouza was stopped by gardaí on Garter Lane, Saggart, on March 9, 2025. Garda checks showed the 2009-registered car was not insured at the time. Mr Dsouza was unable to produce an insurance certificate at the roadside and did not later produce one at a garda station. Gardaí told the court the defendant later accepted he had no insurance on the vehicle on the day in question. Solicitor Jeremiah Breen, for Mr Dsouza, said his client had believed he was insured and expressed regret for the incident. The court heard he is married with two children and works part-time in a garage. It was confirmed he has no previous convictions.
The owner of a discount store, Anthony Walsh, has been fined €5,000 for selling untaxed cigarettes and tobacco. Walsh, 66, pleaded guilty to keeping for sale products without the relevant Irish tax stamps in his shop, 'Dominics Crazy Deals'. Revenue officers found 44,560 cigarettes and 2.75 kg of hand-rolled tobacco during a search of his shop in May 2022. The estimated loss to Revenue was €27,786. Walsh has previous convictions for selling illegal products and failing to file tax returns. The judge acknowledged his community contributions but noted his criminal activity deprived the state of revenue. Walsh did not contest the confiscation of €78,000 in cash found in his shop. The court heard testimonials from the community highlighting his generosity and support for local initiatives.
Sharon Shadiya (22), of Drumcairn Avenue, Tallaght, Dublin 24, pleaded guilty to a money laundering offence arising from an incident on June 15, 2023. The court heard that €1,700 was credited to Shadiya's Revolut account before being transferred on to another account. Shadiya admitted allowing the proceeds of criminal conduct to pass through her Revolut account, contrary to section 7(1)(a)(ii), section 7(1)(b) and section 7(3) of the Criminal Justice (Money Laundering and Terrorist Financing) Act 2010. Detective Sergeant Mick Ormsby informed the court that the two injured parties had since been reimbursed by their banks. Defence solicitor, Michael Hennessy, stated that Shadiya was 20 years old at the time of the offence and has no previous convictions. He said Shadiya was taken advantage of by a male friend, who told her he needed to use her Revolut account to make a purchase online. Mr Hennessy said the matter before the court was one of recklessness rather than knowledge, and that his client had no awareness of the wider fraud involved. He said Shadiya had made a full admission to her limited role, was fully co-operative and had shown genuine remorse, offering an unreserved apology to those who lost money. The court heard that Shadiya works as a care assistant in private home-care and is of good character with a strong work ethic and good prospects for the future. Judge Karen Dowling accepted jurisdiction in the case and adjourned it to April 13 next for the preparation of a probation report.
A serial offender with 165 previous convictions, Gary Herbert (43) from Tallaght, Dublin 24, had his ten-month jail sentence replaced with a fully suspended sentence on appeal. Herbert was convicted in the District Court of two counts of entering the curtilage of a building as a trespasser with intent to commit an offence, and of getting into a mechanically propelled vehicle without authority. He was given a six-month jail sentence for the first offence and a four-month term consecutive to that for the second offence. Garda David Devaney testified that Herbert was identified on CCTV entering vehicles in Templeogue and Terenure, where items had been rummaged through. Defence counsel confirmed that nothing was taken but highlighted Herbert's mental health issues and his need for stable accommodation. Judge Christopher Callan decided to fully suspend both sentences for two years, on the condition that Herbert keeps the peace, engages with probation services, and continues his medication. The judge emphasized the importance of Herbert taking his medication, noting his considerable number of previous convictions.
A printer, Declan Walsh, has claimed he was unfairly dismissed from his job at Labelcraft in Tallaght, Dublin 24, after he called for the sacking of a colleague for alleged aggression and a 'ghetto attitude' towards him. Walsh, who earned €48,000 annually, was terminated in September 2024 following a disciplinary investigation. His employer, Poolville Ltd, argued that Walsh made a 'false allegation' about his manager looking through his bag, leading to a breakdown of trust. During the tribunal, Walsh stated that his manager, Mr M, had been aggressive towards him, including an incident where he was confronted on the factory floor. Walsh claimed that other employees were plotting against him due to his superior performance and that Mr M had secured his job through a supervisor from the same Dublin neighbourhood, Clondalkin. Walsh also mentioned that Mr M had a 'confidant' from Clondalkin who would give him lifts to work. He expressed that he found it offensive when Mr M referred to him with a 'ghetto attitude'.
Drug dealers made a "very nasty threat" to a money mule mother-of-three who got into a cocaine debt, a Dublin court has heard. Garda Paddy Kelleher was giving evidence at the sentence hearing at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court of Anna Stewart (36) for laundering money stolen from a Kildare resident. He agreed with Kieran Kelly BL, defending, that Stewart had become addicted to cocaine after the break-up of a relationship and racked up a drugs debt. Gda Kelleher testified that Stewart came under pressure from the drug dealers, who told her she could get something taken off the debt if she gave them access to her bank account. Counsel told the court that they made a further threat "of a very nasty nature". Judge Orla Crowe noted that gardai accepted that this was a real threat and was "particularly serious". Stewart of Kiltalown Avenue, Tallaght, Dublin 24 pleaded guilty to having possession of the proceeds of crime on a date in May 2021.
A man who poured petrol on a shop counter and threatened to burn it has been jailed for 33 months. Darragh Kane (26) told gardai he had been beaten the night before the robbery and needed money to pay off a drug debt. He threatened shop staff with a lighter and a knife, demanding cash before stealing €466 from the till. Kane pleaded guilty to robbery and has previous convictions for drug and traffic offences. The judge noted the severity of the crime, which occurred in broad daylight and terrified staff and customers, including a woman with a baby. Kane expressed remorse and acknowledged the impact of his actions, but the judge emphasized the need for justice for the victims. Kane's sentence was suspended for 12 months on strict conditions, including engaging with the Probation Service. His defense highlighted his difficult background and requested time for drug treatment.
A father-of-four was found guilty of manslaughter for killing an 'intruder' who had stolen from his unlocked van and entered his partner's car. Patrick Murphy (35) was not found guilty of murder but was convicted of manslaughter. The jury heard that Murphy stabbed 20-year-old Jordan Ronan, who had stolen a Revolut card from Murphy's van. Murphy claimed he was acting in self-defense, but the court found that the force used was excessive. The prosecution argued that Murphy's actions were disproportionate, as he armed himself with a knife and deliberately stabbed Ronan in the chest. The defense claimed Murphy acted out of panic after his property was violated. The jury viewed CCTV footage showing Ronan entering Murphy's van and partner's car before Murphy ran out with a knife. The court accepted that the Revolut card found on Ronan belonged to Murphy. The judge will sentence Murphy in January 2026, and the Ronan family will be invited to make statements. The jury spent over seven hours deliberating before delivering the verdict.
Two men, Philip Disney (30) and Sean Carlyle (32), who were sentenced to life imprisonment for the murder of Vincent Parsons during a Stag night in 2019, have failed in their appeal to overturn their convictions. The attack, described as 'extraordinarily savage,' occurred near the Killinarden Inn on August 24, 2019, after Mr. Parsons became 'messy' and irritated Disney during a night out. The trial heard that following an altercation, the two men followed Mr. Parsons in a van and fatally assaulted him on a nearby green area. During the sentencing, Mr. Parsons' wife, Clare, expressed how his death had 'fallen apart' the lives of their two children. The Court of Appeal dismissed all grounds raised by Disney and Carlyle, including claims that evidence was prejudicial or that the trial judge made errors in rulings. The court upheld the conviction, noting that the CCTV footage was properly admitted and that the jury was correctly not discharged. The appeal also failed to challenge the admissibility of evidence, including statements made by the defendants during searches and interviews.
A jury is set to return to the Central Criminal Court to continue deliberations in the trial of Patrick Murphy (37), who is accused of stabbing 20-year-old Jordan Ronan to death outside his home in what he claims was an act of self-defense. Murphy has admitted to stabbing Ronan but has pleaded not guilty to murder. The jury heard that Ronan suffered a single fatal stab wound to the chest during an encounter in the early hours of July 26, 2024. CCTV footage showed Ronan entering Murphy's van and then Mr Murphy's partner's BMW, where the fatal incident occurred. Gardai found a Revolut card belonging to Murphy on the deceased's body. The prosecution argued that Murphy's use of force was disproportionate, noting that he armed himself with a knife, ran out of his house, and deliberately stabbed Ronan in the chest, with the blade penetrating 18cm into his chest cavity. The defense, however, argued that Murphy acted out of panic in the heat of the moment after his home was invaded by an intruder.
Patrick Murphy, a father of four, is on trial for stabbing Jordan Ronan to death, claiming it was in self-defense. Prosecution barrister Patricia McLaughlin SC argued that Murphy used disproportionate force and took the law into his own hands. The defense, led by Ronan Kennedy SC, claimed Murphy acted out of fear for his family's safety after an intruder entered his home. The jury was shown CCTV footage showing Ronan entering Murphy's van and then his partner's BMW, where the fatal stabbing occurred. The prosecution emphasized that Murphy's actions were not justified, while the defense argued Murphy was protecting his family from a perceived threat. The judge instructed the jury on the possible verdicts, including murder, manslaughter, or not guilty, and asked them to deliberate on the intent and proportionality of Murphy's actions.
Patrick Murphy, a father of four, is on trial for stabbing Jordan Ronan to death, claiming it was in self-defense. Prosecution barrister Patricia McLaughlin SC argued that Murphy used disproportionate force and took the law into his own hands. The defense, led by Ronan Kennedy SC, claimed Murphy acted out of fear for his family's safety after an intruder entered his home. The jury was shown CCTV footage showing Ronan entering Murphy's van and then his partner's BMW, where the fatal stabbing occurred. The prosecution emphasized that Murphy's actions were not justified, while the defense argued Murphy was protecting his family from a perceived threat. The judge instructed the jury on the possible verdicts, including murder, manslaughter, or not guilty, and asked them to deliberate on the intent and proportionality of Murphy's actions.
A money mule who allowed scammers to channel almost €3,000 through his Revolut account during two "smishing" frauds has been directed to the Restorative Justice Programme. Josh Pope (22) of Priorsgate, Tallaght, Dublin 24, pleaded guilty to two counts of engaging in handling the proceeds of criminal conduct. The court heard that two separate "smishing" scams in April 2023 resulted in €2,946 being lodged into Pope's Revolut account. One injured party lost €711, while a second victim lost €2,235 after receiving fraudulent text messages and supplying their bank details. Pope had been offered €200 to allow his account to be used and had shown "sympathy" for the victims in his victim impact statement. He is currently studying culinary arts at Maynooth and has no previous convictions. Judge Karen Dowling directed Pope to engage with the Restorative Justice Programme and adjourned the matter to 3 April for an updated report, when the matter is expected to be finalised.
Rhys Murphy, 20, of Tallaght, pleaded guilty at Tallaght District Court to possessing a knife in the early hours of 4 May 2025, an offence under section 9 of the Firearms and Offensive Weapons Act. The court heard that gardaí were flagged down at Glenview Park during a late-night chase, where a knife was observed being thrown from a vehicle. Murphy was identified as the person who discarded the weapon, which was subsequently recovered and produced in court. Although defence counsel Michael Hennessy argued that Murphy was a passenger who instinctively threw the knife after it was handed to him, the judge noted that Murphy made no reasonable explanation for possessing it. Judge Patricia McNamara examined the six-inch knife and commented on its appearance. She described Murphy as pleasant but naive and vulnerable to negative peer pressure, warning that possessing a knife increases the likelihood of its use. The court noted Murphy has previous convictions for traffic matters and theft, but none for weapons. In sentencing, Judge McNamara remanded Murphy on continuing bail until 16 January. On that date, he will appear again before Tallaght District Court to engage voluntarily with the Restorative Justice Programme. The judge advised him to stay out of trouble in the interim, stating the court would review his progress at the next hearing.
A jury has viewed CCTV footage of the moment Patrick Murphy, a father of four, fatally stabbed Jordan Ronan outside his home in what he claimed was an act of self-defence. Murphy has pleaded not guilty to murder, though he admitted stabbing Ronan. The trial heard that Murphy appeared slightly nervous when gardai arrived at his home shortly after the incident and muttered under his breath, calling the situation a 'load of bol****s'. Garda Dara Kelly presented CCTV footage from three houses on Drumcairn Avenue and a Ring doorbell, showing Murphy and Ronan between 3.07am and 3.13am. The footage indicated that Ronan approached Murphy's house, activating convenience lights in Murphy's van before moving to a BMW belonging to Murphy's partner. At 3.12am, Murphy was seen at the front door, and nine seconds later, he was seen standing back from the car. Garda James Cullen arrived at the scene and found Ronan being given CPR by firefighters. A Revolut card registered to Murphy was found on Ronan.
A man who attempted to punch a garda while being taken to Tallaght Garda Station has been sent for a probation report. Deividas Subacius (46) pleaded guilty to threatening and abusive behaviour, intoxication, and violent behaviour on 2 November last year. The court heard that Gardaí were responding to a domestic incident when they encountered Subacius outside an apartment block. He was highly intoxicated, aggressive, and shouted abuse at the officers. During the arrest, he attempted to strike a garda in the back on the way to the station, requiring eight officers to restrain him. Upon arrival at the station, it took eight Gardaí to subdue him and place him in a cell. Subacius has nine previous convictions, including eight for public order and one for assault. Judge Karen Dowling ordered a probation report and adjourned the matter to 6 March, 2026.
A businessman who charged €120 per hour for padel and pickleball lessons sent 'intimidating' and 'threatening' texts to a coach who was left short on his wages after being let go due to low demand, according to a tribunal. William McGlade, founder of 'House of Padel' in Dublin, accused the coach, Andrés Martínez-Cuquerella, of 'lying about the job you're doing' and 'manipulation of your worth' in messages revealed during a Workplace Relations Commission (WRC) hearing. Martínez-Cuquerella, who was employed for eight weeks before being terminated in March, has now secured an order for unpaid wages and notice following a rights complaint. His base pay was €14 an hour, with a €30-an-hour premium for coaching, which customers were charged €120 for. He was owed €224 in public holiday pay, €336 for accrued annual leave, and an underpayment of €16 for an hour's coaching.
A 60-year-old man is accused of threatening to behead his 91-year-old father during an alleged incident at their home in Rathfarnham earlier this year. Joe Kenny, of Glendoher Drive, Rathfarnham, Dublin 16, appeared before Tallaght District Court charged with assaulting his father and causing him harm. He is also accused of producing a knife during the incident in a way that was likely to intimidate. The alleged incident occurred on 21 February last, following which Gardaí were called to the house after reports that the accused had threatened to 'cut the head off' his father during a row. Officers found the 91-year-old man had sustained a laceration to the skin on his neck, which bled but was not classified as a serious injury. It was alleged that the accused had held a six-inch carving knife to his father's throat during the incident. However, the alleged injured party withdrew his statement on 29 November, and the DPP must now consider how the prosecution is to proceed. Judge Patricia McNamara refused jurisdiction due to the seriousness of the charges.
Dean Joyce, 33, was sentenced at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court after pleading guilty to one count of threatening to kill and one count of simple assault of his then partner at an address in Tallaght on November 6, 2024. The court heard that Joyce had 341 previous convictions. Prosecution evidence alleged that Joyce pursued his partner, who was eight months pregnant, outside their home while brandishing a hammer, threatening to kill her and their unborn child before forcing her back inside. He allegedly confiscated her phone until the following morning. A further count of production of an article was taken into consideration. Judge Orla Crowe described the conduct as heinous offending towards a woman in advanced pregnancy. While acknowledging Joyce's childhood deprivation and mitigating factors, the judge set a headline sentence of six years, reduced to four years. To incentivise rehabilitation and protect society, the judge suspended the final six months of the sentence, conditional on Joyce remaining under the supervision of the Probation Service during that period. Joyce has been in custody since his arrest.
Serial sex offender Philip Murphy has been jailed for 15 years for the repeated rape and sexual abuse of his younger brother and two young girls over 30 years ago. The judge, Mr Justice Paul Burns, noted that Murphy represents an ongoing danger to society and ordered that he remain under post-release supervision for 10 years. Murphy was convicted of 15 counts of rape and sexual assault, and his half brother, Michael Murphy, was jailed for four years for raping one of the girls. The victims, who were all young children at the time, described the abuse as traumatic and ongoing. Murphy threatened the older girl that he would abuse her younger sister and kill her father if she did not comply with his demands. The judge emphasized that Murphy's actions were gravely wrong and that the victims were not at fault. Michael Murphy was also sentenced for raping a girl when he was around 16 or 17. The victims spoke of the lasting impact of the abuse, including mental health issues and addiction.
A man, David O'Shea, who sent threatening voicemails to his landlord, has been given a four-month suspended sentence on appeal. O'Shea, 46, was convicted of threatening to kill and damage property, and was initially sentenced to four months in jail. His appeal was allowed, and the sentence was suspended for three years. The voicemails, which were four minutes long, included threats to burn the landlord's house down and 'reign down terror' on his family. O'Shea's defense argued that the severity of the sentence was too harsh, noting his apology and the impact of the pandemic on his mental health. The judge acknowledged the severity of the offenses but gave credit for O'Shea's plea and his apparent turnaround in life. The judge hoped the decision would not negatively affect O'Shea's employment. The suspended sentence was given with the hope that O'Shea would not lose his job as a result of the conviction.
A witness testified at a murder trial about his attempts to perform CPR on the lifeless body of a 20-year-old man who was seen running into a lamppost before becoming unresponsive. David Conlon recounted how he heard a loud roar and saw the young man running before hearing a loud smack as he hit the lamppost and fell back. Conlon and his wife went out to assist the injured man, who was found lying flat on his back with his eyes wide open. Conlon's wife called 999, and the dispatcher instructed him on how to perform CPR until emergency services arrived. Patrick Murphy, 37, admitted to stabbing Jordan Ronan but pleaded not guilty to murder. The trial heard that Murphy claimed he stabbed Ronan to protect his family or property. The jury was shown evidence, including the discovery of a single stab wound to the chest, and items found on Ronan, such as Valium tablets and cannabis. The trial continues as the court examines the intent behind Murphy's actions and the circumstances surrounding the stabbing.
A Dublin father, Patrick Murphy, is on trial for stabbing 20-year-old Jordan Ronan to death outside his home, claiming he did so to protect his property or family. The prosecution, led by Patricia McLaughlin SC, stated that Ronan suffered a single fatal stab wound to the chest in the early hours of July 26, 2024. Ronan had been with friends earlier in the night, and witnesses said he was intoxicated. As he walked home, he fell behind his friend and was seen running past a house before collapsing. A homeowner found him lying on the ground and called for help. Paramedics discovered a severe chest wound, and Ronan was pronounced dead at the hospital. Murphy admitted to stabbing Ronan but claims self-defense. His defense, led by Ronan Kennedy SC, acknowledged the stabbing but argued it was not premeditated. The trial continues before Mr Justice Kerida Naidoo and a jury. Patrick Murphy pleaded not guilty. Jordan Ronan pleaded not guilty.
A jury has been sworn in for the trial of a 37-year-old man charged with the murder of 20-year-old Jordan Ronan in Dublin last year. At the Central Criminal Court today, Patrick Murphy, of Drumcairn Parade, Tallaght, was charged with the murder of Jordan Ronan at Drumcairn Avenue in the early hours of July 26, 2024. The accused pleaded not guilty to the charge. Defence counsel is Ronan Kennedy SC, while the prosecution is led by Patricia McLaughlin SC. Mr Justice Kerida Naidoo said the trial is expected to finish by December 19. The trial commences tomorrow before Mr Justice Naidoo and a jury of eight men and four women. The case has drawn significant public and media attention, with the court proceedings expected to last several weeks. The accused has been remanded in custody and is expected to face a range of charges related to the incident. The court has scheduled a number of hearings over the coming weeks to ensure the trial proceeds efficiently.
A judge has refused jurisdiction in the case of a man accused of sexually assaulting a 16-year-old boy in a gym changing room. Judge Karen Dowling ruled that the allegation was too serious to be dealt with at the District Court level. The incident occurred on 5 April last year, when the accused allegedly grabbed the boy's genitals over his trousers while smirking. The victim immediately informed staff, and Gardaí were contacted. CCTV footage was obtained, leading to the accused's arrest and interview. Judge Dowling stated that the seriousness of the allegation required the case to be heard in the Circuit Court. The matter was adjourned for six weeks to prepare a book of evidence. The charge relates to an incident under Section 2 of the Criminal Law (Rape) (Amendment) Act 1990, as amended by Section 37 of the Sex Offenders Act 2001.
A mother was jailed and her son walked free from court on a suspended sentence after being found in possession of almost €30,000 worth of cannabis. Laura Deering (50) and Alan Deering (30) pleaded guilty to possession of cannabis for sale or supply. Gardai discovered 460g of cannabis in an upstairs bedroom and another large package of cannabis hidden under clothes in a wardrobe, which had Alan Deering's fingerprints on it. Laura Deering was sentenced to four years with two years suspended for a period of two years, while Alan Deering was given a four-year sentence but Judge Orla Crowe suspended it in its entirety. Laura Deering took ownership of the cannabis found in the locker and said she had been paid to hold other items. She had previous convictions for drugs offences and was on a suspended sentence at the time of the offence. Alan Deering was not living at the address at the time and has a good work history.
Brian Carroll, 30, of South Circular Road, Dublin 8, was convicted at Tallaght District Court of exposing his genitals to a customer at Nutgrove Shopping Centre on 28 June 2023. The offence, contrary to section 45 of the Criminal Law (Sexual Offences) Act 2017, was alleged to have occurred when the woman returned to a Three mobile phone store for a follow-up. She testified that Carroll asked her to move around the counter to view an iPad screen, during which she saw his erect penis. Carroll pleaded not guilty, denying the incident occurred and stating he was wearing shorts and a branded T-shirt. He argued there was no possible way the complainant could have seen anything from her position. Defence counsel Seoirse Fennessy BL argued there was no evidence of intent to cause fear or distress, noting Carroll's cooperation in attempting to retrieve CCTV footage, which was unavailable due to a full hard drive. The prosecution contended that intent could be inferred from Carroll's actions. Judge Patricia McNamara found the complainant credible and satisfied to convict Carroll. The matter was adjourned to allow the woman to prepare a victim impact report and for a pre-sentencing probation report to assess Carroll's risk of reoffending. The judge warned Carroll not to come to the attention of Gardaí in the meantime. The case was put back for sentencing on 19 February.
A banned roads offender has been fined after giving gardaí a false address when they responded to a traffic collision in Tallaght. Kevi Kabeya (35) of Highfield West, College Road, Cork, pleaded guilty at Tallaght District Court to providing false information to a Garda and failing to produce a driving licence. The incident occurred on 30 October last year when gardaí attended a collision involving Kabeya's blue Mercedes. Kabeya gave a false address and failed to produce his licence, despite being a banned driver with 18 previous convictions. His solicitor stated that Kabeya had not intended to deceive gardaí and was unsure of his address at the time. Judge Áine Clancy fined Kabeya €300 for failing to produce his licence and €500 for providing false details, with payment terms of six and 12 months respectively.
A man who was caught with almost 1.5 million images and videos of child sexual abuse after he began accessing such material as a 13-year-old boy has been jailed for 27 months. Stephen Byrne (26) pleaded guilty at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court to possession of the images, termed child pornography in law, at his rented home in Terenure, Dublin 6, on March 2, 2022. Detective Garda Mairead McKinney confirmed that 1,440,675 images and videos were found, depicting children in sexually explicit interactions. Byrne admitted accessing such material from the age of 13 through the Dark Web and social media. His defence highlighted his cooperation with gardaí and his attendance at counselling. Judge Martin Nolan noted the significant aggravating factor of the number of images and the length of time Byrne had been offending. He imposed a sentence of 27 months, taking into account Byrne's co-operation and his admissions of guilt, despite acknowledging the severity of the offence.
Bridget McDonagh and Catriona McDonnell, both of Finglas, Dublin 11, pleaded guilty at Tallaght District Court to holding an unauthorised collection and acting as collectors without a permit at Rosemount Shopping Centre, Rathfarnham, on 8 November 2024. Garda Elaine Phelan reported that the women were collecting donations while wearing Alzheimer Society of Ireland branded bibs and using a branded bucket, despite the charity having no scheduled event in the area. The women could not produce a Garda permit, and the bucket, which contained coins, was seized. Defence solicitor Padraig O'Donovan stated the women believed they were authorised to collect for a charity coffee morning after correspondence with the Alzheimer Society, though they did not realise a permit was required. The court noted that McDonagh has no previous convictions, while McDonnell has a 2010 conviction concerning a false instrument. Judge Áine Clancy ordered the seized money to be forfeited to the Alzheimer Society of Ireland. Regarding sentencing, Judge Clancy described the case as "a difficult one." She convicted McDonnell and fined her €350, allowing 12 months to pay. For McDonagh, the Judge granted the benefit of the Probation Act under Section 1(1), leaving her without a conviction.
Michael McDonagh, a 49-year-old banned roads offender with over 200 previous convictions, was jailed for three years after driving the wrong way down the hard shoulder of the Naas dual carriageway. McDonagh pleaded guilty to endangerment, dangerous driving, and driving without a licence or insurance. He stole a car and evaded gardai by speeding at high rates, breaking red lights, and driving on the wrong side of the road. The pursuit lasted seven minutes, with McDonagh reaching speeds of up to 120km/hr in a 60km/hr zone. Gardai broke off the chase due to the danger. McDonagh was extradited from the UK in 2024 and has been in custody since. Judge Martin Nolan noted the dangerous and reckless nature of the driving and imposed a three-year sentence, along with a five-year driving disqualification.
Luka Mikaidze, a disqualified driver, has been fined €500 for using a fake driving licence during an altercation in Tallaght. Mikaidze admitted to using a false licence and was arrested after gardai discovered it was in a different name. He was disqualified from driving in December 2023 and has eight previous convictions. Defence counsel highlighted that Mikaidze immediately admitted to the false licence and was apologetic. His partner attended court to support him. Judge Áine Clancy fined him €500 and allowed 12 months to pay. The court heard that Mikaidze was disqualified from driving and had a history of road-traffic matters and theft offences. The incident occurred on 16 July last year when gardai were called to an altercation involving Mikaidze and a woman. Luka Mikaidze pleaded guilty.
A woman in her 40s has had a year added to her prison sentence after admitting to a series of alcohol-related public-order offences, including an incident where she tried to bite and head-butt a garda. The woman pleaded guilty to multiple charges before Tallaght District Court, where Judge Patricia McNamara noted the numerous matters before her. The new terms will run consecutively to the custodial sentence she has been serving since September 2025. The offending spanned from early 2023 to late 2024 and involved repeated incidents of intoxication, abuse, and disturbances on her residential road. Defence counsel highlighted that the woman is a full-time carer for her mother with dementia and has struggled to remain in residential addiction treatment. Judge McNamara expressed disappointment that the woman has not been able to address her alcohol addiction. The most serious incident involved the woman attempting to bite and head-butt Garda Conor Lavin. Judge McNamara imposed a five-month sentence for this incident, along with additional terms for other incidents. The total additional 12 months was ordered to run consecutively to her existing sentence.
Aidan Grogan, 28, of Tallaght, pleaded guilty at Tallaght District Court to possession of cocaine, driving without insurance, driving without a licence, and giving a false name to gardaí. The offences arose from an incident on 30 December 2022, when Grogan was stopped on Katharine Tynan Road for erratic driving. Gardaí discovered he was uninsured and unlicensed, and he provided false details. Although he initially failed a roadside drug test, a subsequent test at Tallaght Garda Station was negative, so no drug-driving charge was brought. During a search in custody, gardaí found €350 worth of cocaine concealed in his clothing. His solicitor, Padraig O'Donovan, stated that Grogan is on social welfare, has two children, and has completed treatment for cocaine addiction at Cuile Mhuire. Judge Áine Shannon imposed a four-year driving ban and a €300 fine for the no-insurance offence, allowing three months to pay. The charges for driving without a licence and giving false details were taken into consideration. Acknowledging Grogan's engagement with treatment and his transition out of addiction, Judge Shannon ordered a probation report. The matter was adjourned to 13 February 2026 for finalisation.
On 22 January 2025, Ahmed Ramic, 26, of Brookview Court, Tallaght, crashed a DriveYou car‑sharing vehicle into a ditch on Killakee Road, Rathfarnham, after Garda Mark Cullen, in an unmarked patrol car, attempted to stop it. Cullen had been patrolling because several DriveYou cars had been reported stolen. He followed the vehicle for about a minute at speed before it left the road and crashed. Ramic had initially pleaded not guilty to dangerous driving under section 53, but the court accepted a plea to the lesser section 52 careless driving charge. Defence counsel argued Ramic was unaware of the unmarked Garda car and that the vehicle belonged to his former girlfriend's father. The court found the driving reached the threshold for careless but not dangerous driving, spared Ramic a second disqualification, and remanded him to a restorative‑justice driving‑awareness programme with the case adjourned to 13 February. The judge noted Ramic's remorse and disappointment.
On 22 March, Stephen Hall, 40, was arrested near the Cheeverstown Luas stop after Gardaí observed him leaving the Glenveagh Properties building site with a stolen generator. The generator, valued at about €500, had been taken minutes earlier. Hall pleaded guilty to possessing the stolen generator, trespassing on the site and having cannabis at locations in Tallaght. Gardaí also found a small amount of suspected cannabis worth €20. He was remanded to Green Street courthouse for a drug‑treatment programme and probation assessment.
Michael Rostas, 24, was on bail when he stole a watch from a man who had fallen ill after leaving a nightclub. The victim, who was later admitted to St James's Hospital, had the watch, a sentimental item from his father, returned to him. CCTV footage showed Rostas taking the watch while the victim lay on the ground. Rostas pleaded guilty to one count of theft on 1 October 2022 and had two prior convictions. Judge Pauline Codd described the offence as vile and morally reprehensible. She imposed a headline sentence of four years, but after considering Rostas's guilty plea, age, homelessness, and a positive probation report, she sentenced him to three years' imprisonment suspended in full for three years. Rostas paid €500 to the court as a gesture of remorse and was ordered to pay an additional €500 to the victim, at least €50 per month.
A 25‑year‑old man, Ryan Craig, was sentenced to six years in prison, with the last twelve months suspended for two years, for dangerous driving causing serious bodily harm. He also received a four‑year sentence for endangerment, both running concurrently and back‑dated to October 2024. Craig drove a van onto a footpath in Clondalkin, dragging a 25‑year‑old nephew of convicted drug dealer John Gilligan, Dillon Gilligan, for up to 30 feet before leaving him on the roadside with a fractured skull and pelvis. Craig fled the scene without assisting the victim, an act described by the judge as a deliberate purposeful act of dangerous driving motivated by rage and hatred. The court disqualified Craig from driving for fifteen years. The sentencing hearing noted Craig's prior convictions for drug possession and public order offences, but the judge considered the current incident far more serious. The unnamed 25-year-old pleaded guilty.
On 9 March 2025, Darren Longworth, a 40‑year‑old tradesman from Tallaght, was found by a Garda in a car park carrying two Stanley blades—one in his work belt and one loose in a pocket. He was arrested and charged with possession of a knife under the Firearms and Offensive Weapons Act 1990. Longworth explained that he was a multi‑skilled tradesman who had been working that day and was living in his van, using it as both accommodation and a storage space for his tools. He claimed the blades were standard work equipment and that a larger switch‑blade tool was stored inside the van. His solicitor argued that the blades were consistent with his trade gear. Judge Patricia McNamara, after considering that Longworth had been working earlier, was wearing his work belt, and that his living circumstances made it natural for tools to be on him, dismissed the knife possession charge.
On 18 March, 31‑year‑old nurse Theophilus Annum Tetty, of Mulgrave Street, Dún Laoghaire, was arrested for a public order offence after becoming intoxicated on the N81 Tallaght Bypass. He was taken to Tallaght Garda Station where he became aggressive, spat at the Perspex screen of the public counter hatch and caused damage. The court heard that the incident led to two charges: criminal damage and violent behaviour in a garda station. Defence counsel said Tetty was experiencing an acute period of intense stress, which contributed to his conduct. He has no prior convictions and works as a nurse. The judge, Patricia McNamara, noted his clean record, cooperation and medical circumstances, and warned him to "stay out of trouble". She ordered him to engage with restorative justice services, to pay €150 compensation to the station, and to submit a full medical report. He remains on continuing bail until 16 January, when his progress will be reviewed.
Michael Daly, 27, of Knockmore Grove, Tallaght, was jailed for three years and nine months after a high‑speed chase on the N81. He drove a stolen Ford Transit van without a licence or insurance, swerved onto the wrong side of the road at up to 140 km/h, and attempted to hit Garda patrol cars. The chase caused €10,000 of damage to a patrol car and forced a Garda to run into a garden to avoid being struck. Daly pleaded guilty to endangerment, unlawful use of a vehicle, driving without insurance and two counts of criminal damage. He had been disqualified from driving since 2022 and had previous convictions for drugs and public order offences. The judge, after considering his guilty pleas and mitigating factors, imposed the sentence and a four‑year driving disqualification.
A van driver, Colin Radburn, 37, was jailed for four and a half years after a routine Garda checkpoint on St Luke's Road, Dublin 8, revealed €350,000 worth of cocaine and £15,520 in cash hidden in the van's air filter cabinet. Radburn, who had been driving the van at the time, panicked and attempted to abandon it when Gardaí stopped him. He pleaded guilty to one count of possessing drugs for sale or supply under Section 15A of the Misuse of Drugs Act. The court noted his prior convictions for road traffic offences and that he had been out of work since an injury in 2022, which contributed to a drug habit. Judge Martin Nolan accepted that Radburn's role was that of transporter and holder, and set the sentence at four and a half years, backdated to his arrest.