Dominik Kaczmarek, 32, of Naas, Co Kildare, was sentenced at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court after pleading guilty to one count of possessing cocaine for sale or supply at his then home address in Tallaght on April 24, 2023. The court heard that gardaí seized two kilos of cocaine from his car during a raid, but one kilo was allegedly 'inadvertently destroyed' by officers before analysis, resulting in charges based on the remaining one kilo. Judge Martin Nolan noted Kaczmarek's long history of addiction and that third parties had exploited this to use him for drug transport. The judge handed down a five and a half-year sentence, suspending the final year on a number of conditions. Kaczmarek has previous convictions, including a prior two-year sentence for a drug offence. His defence counsel highlighted his dysfunctional family life, drug addiction, and lack of financial benefit from the offence. The matter was finalised with this sentencing.
In a Court of Appeal hearing on 24 April 2024, the appeal of Samy Taib, aged 22, was dismissed. Taib had been sentenced to five years' imprisonment with 12 months suspended, after pleading guilty to assault, coercive control, endangerment and dangerous driving. The Court upheld the four‑year sentence for the coercive control offence and the three‑year sentence for the driving offence, after the judge had reduced the headline sentences from five to four years and from four to three years respectively, citing Taib's undiagnosed paranoid schizophrenia. The judge noted that Taib's mental disorder was likely present for some time but that the seriousness of the violence—choking, punching, biting and driving over his former partner's leg—required a substantial sentence. The Court found the reductions within the judge's discretion and rejected the appeal. The final sentence remained five years' imprisonment with one year suspended.
Ryan Kelly, 25, was sentenced to six years in prison by the Special Criminal Court for his role in a sophisticated enterprise involving a loaded .38 calibre Smith & Wesson revolver and stolen cars. Kelly, who was 22 at the time of the offence, pleaded guilty to possession of the revolver and five rounds of ammunition, with evidence that the weapon was found in a taxi and in a Volvo car where he was a passenger. He was seen handing the gun to a taxi driver and later dropping it into the vehicle's window. The court noted that Kelly acted in concert with others, including Anthony Walker, and that the weapon was fully loaded, indicating it was not for lawful use. The judge set a headline sentence of ten years, reduced to seven years with the last year suspended for three years on condition of probation. Kelly had nine prior convictions, mainly for public order and traffic offences.
In April 2024 the Court of Appeal upheld the conviction of Feri Anghel, 44, a Romanian national, for the murder of Ioan Artene Bob, 49, who was found dead in a Dublin park after being beaten. The appeal was dismissed because the court found Anghel's submissions lacked reality. The judge noted that the evidence, including extensive CCTV footage and DNA from a cigarette butt, was sufficient for the jury to convict. Anghel had claimed a lack of evidence and privacy violations, but the court found no basis for these claims. The appeal was rejected on all grounds, meaning Anghel will remain in custody under the mandatory life sentence imposed by the Central Criminal Court in 2022. The case remains at the appellate stage, with no further legal action reported. Feri Anghel pleaded not guilty.
Anthony Gaffney, aged 54, pleaded guilty to robbing the Topaz service station in Dublin on 22 June 2016. He was first charged, then failed to attend his sentence hearing and lived "under the radar" for eight years. He was arrested later, re‑arrested earlier this year, and has been in custody since. Gaffney has 84 prior convictions, most before 2012, and has not re‑offended since 2016. He was sentenced today to 18 months' imprisonment. The court noted his serious health issues, including COPD, and that his criminal activity is likely to be curtailed by his condition. The sentence was imposed after the court heard that an off‑duty Garda, who was with his family, had confronted Gaffney and a second robber, seized the getaway car keys, and that Gaffney had used a knife in the scuffle. The judge praised the Garda's courage and described the incident as frightening for the Garda, his wife and children.
Patrick Maughan, 39, was sentenced by Judge Pauline Codd to two years in prison, with the final six months suspended on strict conditions, for stealing €9,250 worth of tools from a construction worker's van at the National Rehabilitation Hospital. Maughan broke a van window, used a false registration plate, and fled with the equipment. He had 75 previous convictions, including theft and possession of stolen property. The tools were recovered after Gardaí spotted a silver van with a different plate. Maughan pleaded guilty to the theft charge. The court noted the offence's deterrence value for workers in the building trade and considered Maughan's guilty plea and personal circumstances in sentencing. No victim impact statements were submitted by the injured parties. The case was heard in the Dublin Circuit Criminal Court.
Dean Smith, 30, of Killinarden Heights, Tallaght, was sentenced to three and a half years in prison after pleading guilty at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court to possession of 19 kg of cannabis herb, worth €359,000, found in his home on 11 November 2021. The drugs were discovered under his child's bed and in a drawer in the same room during a Garda search. Smith confirmed he had placed the drugs there and that his son slept in the room. He had a prior conviction for a separate drug offence. Smith cooperated fully with the investigation and had no evidence of benefiting from drug sales. His defence argued that his drug debt stemmed from cocaine addiction and that he had no control over the quantity supplied. Judge Martin Nolan accepted the mitigating factors, including Smith's cooperation, early guilty plea, family responsibilities and rehabilitation efforts, and imposed the sentence.
Padraig Thornton Waste Disposal Limited, trading as Thorntons Recycling, was fined €60,000 by the Dublin Circuit Criminal Court for health and safety breaches that led to the death of employee Tomasz Orzel in 2020. The court heard that a bin‑lifting lorry used by the company was defective and unsafe on 19 March 2020. The vehicle's footboards, on which workers stood, were damaged, and a proximity sensor switch designed to prevent reversing while the footboards were down had been interfered with by plastic cable ties, aluminium pull rings and additional wiring that shorted the system. The switch's failure allowed the lorry to reverse and strike Orzel. Thorntons pleaded guilty to failing to manage and maintain the vehicle, breaching the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act 2005 and related regulations. The company, founded in 1979 and employing 800 people, has since reviewed its vehicle monitoring procedures.
Ryan Kelly (25), of Crumlin, Dublin 12, pleaded guilty in the Special Criminal Court to possessing a .38 special calibre Smith & Wesson revolver and five rounds of ammunition on November 23, 2021. He was observed handing the loaded firearm to co-accused Anthony Walker (52), of Marrowbone Lane, Dublin 8, who was driving a taxi. Walker also pleaded guilty to possessing the revolver at Tallaght Road, Templeogue, on the same date. The prosecution stated that a nolle prosequi will be entered regarding a separate charge against Kelly concerning participation in a criminal organisation. Walker's ammunition charge remains live, and he faces a further charge of facilitating a serious offence by a criminal organisation. Mr Justice Paul Burns, presiding with Ms Justice Sarah Berkeley and Ms Justice Marie Keane, remanded Kelly in custody until April 22, when he will be sentenced. Walker's sentence hearing was adjourned today until May 7. The court heard that Kelly has nine previous convictions, mostly for public order and road traffic offences, and has never received a custodial sentence. Defence counsel described Kelly as deeply ashamed and noted he had been on strict bail conditions for three years.
Patrick Joyce, 43, of Rossfield, Tallaght, was sentenced by the Dublin Circuit Criminal Court to three and a half years' imprisonment, with the final six months suspended, after pleading guilty to two counts of endangerment and two counts of dangerous driving. The offence involved a 35‑minute high‑speed pursuit around Dublin, during which Joyce's gold Skoda Octavia ran red lights, crossed roundabouts, and drove through residential estates on the M50. He was disqualified from driving at the time and was arrested at the scene; CCTV footage from Garda Air Support was shown to the court. The court heard that Joyce's breath smelled of intoxicants and that he had drug and alcohol addictions. The judge noted his guilty plea, remorse, addiction issues, and a tragic family loss as mitigating factors, while citing the seriousness of the offence and his disqualification as aggravating factors.
Daryl Wade, 18, was sentenced to five years' imprisonment with the final two‑and‑a‑half years suspended. He pleaded guilty to assault causing harm, robbery and attempted robbery after stabbing an Italian student in the leg in May 2022 and a 17‑year‑old boy in the stomach in February 2023. The court described the offences as "exceptionally serious" and noted Wade's violent propensity. He was identified by CCTV and an audio recording of his admission. Wade's guilty plea and expressions of shame were considered mitigating factors, but the judge deemed a custodial period necessary for rehabilitation. Wade's partner and employer provided supporting letters, and he is no longer living in the area. The sentence was imposed as an adult, with the suspended portion to be served after the 18th birthday.
In a Dublin Circuit Criminal Court hearing, John McDonagh (36) was sentenced to three years' imprisonment for endangerment after he drove his van over his father‑in‑law, Daniel O'Reilly (58), following a row at a family christening party. The incident began when McDonagh, his wife and a third man left the house, only to return when the third man fired two shots from a starter pistol. McDonagh, claiming he was in "absolute terror and fear," reversed his van, striking O'Reilly, who was behind the vehicle, and then drove over him again while he lay on the ground. O'Reilly suffered cardiac arrest and died from traumatic injuries. McDonagh had six prior minor convictions and pleaded guilty to one count of endangerment, a charge carrying a maximum of seven years. The judge, noting McDonagh's state of terror, reduced the headline sentence of six years to three, citing mitigating factors. The sentencing elicited protests from O'Reilly's family.
Leeanda Farrelly (49) was found guilty of publishing a report likely to lead to the identification of a child involved in criminal proceedings after she reposted a photo of 'Boy A', one of the boys who murdered 14‑year‑old Ana Kriégel, in a closed Facebook group on 19 June 2019. The image was posted with text encouraging others to share it. Farrelly removed the post after about 20 minutes but had already attracted police attention. She pleaded guilty in November 2023. Judge Pauline Codd imposed a fully suspended nine‑month sentence, noting that Farrelly's actions were a "self‑appointed judge, jury and executioner" and that she had little regard for the law. The court highlighted that the children were protected under the Children's Act and that the orders prohibiting their identification were in place to safeguard the judicial process.
Darren Ducoté, 48, a former award‑winning entrepreneur, was sentenced to two years in prison for recklessly holding €1.23 million in crime proceeds in his company's bank account. The money, transferred from German investors between January and May 2021, was allegedly intended to fund a vertical wheatgrass farm in Turkey. Ducoté claimed the funds were for a legitimate project with Mayfair International and Gonka Logistics Group, but the bank and Gardaí found no evidence of such a venture. He admitted to transferring the money out of jurisdiction and later attempted to recall payments. The judge noted the large amount involved and that criminals benefited, concluding Ducoté should have known better. He had prior convictions, including a serious assault as a minor, and a psychiatric report cited severe anxiety, ADHD and autism. The sentence reflects the seriousness of the financial misconduct and the lack of recovery of the laundered funds.
In a Dublin Circuit Criminal Court hearing, Michael, Thomas and Patrick Wall were charged with possession of stolen property after they were caught digging up almost €80,000 in coffee jars buried in a suburban field. Garda helicopter footage showed the brothers, identified as members of the "Wall Organised Crime Group", using shovels and a mini digger to excavate the cash. The court noted the brothers had approached local businesses to inquire about groundworks on the land and had claimed they were building horse fences. Michael Wall, aged 30, had no prior convictions and received a fully suspended sentence. Thomas Wall, aged 39, had served 12 months in custody and was given an 18‑month sentence, while Patrick Wall, aged 20, was adjourned to May for a probation report. The brothers were also charged with money laundering, but guilty pleas to possession of stolen property were accepted by the Director of Public Prosecutions.
In a Central Criminal Court trial, a jury could not reach a verdict on the attempted murder charge against Philip Cox, who allegedly broke two knives and stabbed his former partner, Cristal O'Brien, twice in the leg during an attack at her home on 1 December 2022. O'Brien described the assault as "terrifying," noting that Cox threatened to "kill her" and that she sustained two stab wounds. Witness Alice McGrath testified that Cox said he would "finish her off" and that he had no care about time in prison. Cox pleaded not guilty to attempted murder but guilty to assault causing harm, aggravated burglary and knife production. After 3 days of deliberation, the jury returned to court with no verdict, and the judge recorded a "Disagreement" on the issue paper. The case was scheduled for mention on 22 March.
The Central Criminal Court issued an arrest warrant for Lounes Ouachek, 54, of Tallaght, Dublin 24, after he allegedly breached release conditions by attempting to contact his victim. Det Sgt Mary Fitzpatrick informed the court that Ouachek failed to appear despite notification. Mr Justice Paul McDermott ordered the warrant. Ouachek pleaded guilty in 2014 to the attempted murder of his wife, Ruta Ouachek, at their home on August 23, 2012. He was sentenced to 15 years imprisonment with the final three suspended by Mr Justice Paul Carney on July 21, 2014. The Court of Appeal later reduced his sentence to 15 years with the final four suspended. Garret McCormack BL, for the DPP, stated a condition required no contact with his wife in perpetuity. The court heard Ouachek, an Algerian national, developed resentment toward his wife's independence after she entered full-time education. He allegedly attacked her with a kettle-bell, causing skull and facial fractures. After the incident, he left the house, drove to Dublin airport, and flew to Tunisia via Paris. He was subsequently arrested in Germany on an extradition warrant. The matter was adjourned.
The jury in the Central Criminal Court trial of Philip Cox, 39, for an attempted murder of his former partner Cristal O'Brien, has paused deliberations for the weekend and will resume on Monday at 10.30am. Over two days, the panel of seven men and five women spent five hours and 22 minutes considering the case. Mr Justice Paul McDermott instructed the jury to suspend their work for the weekend. Cox, originally from Tallaght but residing at York Street Flats, Dublin 2, pleaded not guilty to the attempted murder charge. O'Brien testified that Cox threatened to kill her, used two knives to stab her, and then sought a third, causing two stab wounds to her leg. A neighbour, Alice McGrath, testified that Cox said he would "finish her off" and that he did not care if he did time. The Director of Public Prosecutions, Tim O'Leary SC, argued that Cox's intentions were "absolutely clear" and left no doubt.
In a Central Criminal Court trial, Philip Cox, aged 39, pleaded not guilty to attempted murder of his former partner, Cristal O'Brien, after an incident on 1 December 2022. The prosecution, represented by Tim O'Leary SC, argued that Cox's repeated attempts to stab O'Brien with three knives, his statements to a neighbour that he was "going to finish her off", and his admission to Gardaí that he intended to cause bodily harm, made his intent to kill clear. The defence contended that not every stabbing constituted an attempt to murder and highlighted the relatively minor injuries sustained by O'Brien, noting no significant penetration or depth. O'Brien testified that Cox threatened her, broke two knives, and retrieved a third, describing the attack as terrifying. The jury was instructed to consider whether the evidence showed an intention to kill or merely to cause harm. The trial was set to continue the following day.
A 24‑year‑old man, Mark O'Neill of Knockmore Drive, Tallaght, was found guilty of two counts of possession of drugs for sale or supply, with a combined value of €22,620, after being caught with drugs and dealing paraphernalia at his home twice in May 2022. He pleaded guilty, cooperated with investigators, and had seven prior minor traffic convictions. Judge Martin Nolan, hearing the case at the Dublin Circuit Criminal Court, noted O'Neill's early plea, good work history and support structure, but also his misbehaviour on both occasions. The judge imposed a global sentence of three years' imprisonment, refusing to suspend any part of it. Gardaí had obtained search warrants on 3 and 26 May 2022, finding cannabis, cocaine, heroin, weighing scales, mobile phones, and cash. O'Neill was released on bail after the first search and was arrested after the second. He had completed a drug awareness course and had a clean urine analysis from Tallaght Addiction Service.
In a Dublin Circuit Criminal Court hearing on 6 March 2024, Niall Brooks, aged 26, was sentenced to three years and three months' imprisonment for his role in an unprovoked mob attack on a nightclub bouncer at Buzz nightclub, Red Cow Moran Hotel, on 9 November 2019. Brooks pleaded guilty to an amended charge of assault with intent to commit violent disorder after initially denying assault causing harm. He received a two‑year sentence for the nightclub assault and a consecutive 15‑month sentence for possessing 150 g of crack cocaine for sale or supply, found in an air vent in his kitchen. The court noted that the security guard suffered a punctured lung, three stab wounds to his back, two fractured ribs and a fractured elbow, and that the attack involved a group of six to ten men, including Brandon Brooks, who had previously been sentenced for assault in the same incident.
Philip Cox, 39, was tried for attempted murder after he stabbed his former partner, Cristal O'Brien, twice in the leg on 1 December 2022 at a York Street flat. He claimed he had no intention to hurt her and that the incident was a blur. O'Brien said Cox had threatened to stab her "to pieces", broke two knives, then retrieved a third, describing the attack as terrifying. A neighbour, Alice McGrath, testified that Cox said he would kill O'Brien and that he did not care if he went to prison. Cox pleaded not guilty to the attempted murder charge. He also faced separate charges of assault causing harm, aggravated burglary and producing a knife during a dispute, for which he had pleaded guilty. The trial was heard in the Central Criminal Court, with the jury hearing the evidence and the defendant's statements. The case is ongoing.
In a Central Criminal Court hearing, Philip Cox, 39, was accused of attempting to murder his former partner, Cristal O'Brien, after a 12‑month relationship. O'Brien testified that on 1 December 2022 Cox entered their flat, threatened to stab her "to pieces", and brandished a knife. She described a violent confrontation in which Cox broke two knives, then sought a third, and attempted to stab her while she fled to a neighbour's flat. O'Brien was injured, sustaining two stab wounds to her left thigh, a broken lip, and bruising. During the trial, Cox interrupted proceedings, calling O'Brien a "lying c***", and was subsequently removed from the courtroom. The judge apologized for the interruption and instructed the jury to focus on the evidence presented. The case remains pending before Mr Justice McDermott. Philip Cox pleaded not guilty.
In a Central Criminal Court hearing on 4 March 2024, Philip Cox, 39, pleaded not guilty to a single count of attempted murder of his former partner, Cristal O'Brien, after an incident on 1 December 2022 at York Street Flats. The prosecution presented evidence that Cox had broken two knives during an argument with O'Brien, pursued her, and then broke a third knife to continue the attack. O'Brien fled to a neighbour's home, where Cox broke the neighbour's door, unbolted the lock, and threatened her again. She later hid behind a car and called Gardaí, who arrested Cox. The trial, presided over by Mr Justice Paul McDermott, will focus on proving Cox's intent to kill and the physical acts of breaking and using the knives, with a potential duration of up to one week. The case also notes Cox's prior guilty pleas for assault causing harm, aggravated burglary, and knife production, which do not affect the attempted murder charge.
During a search of a Renault van at Dublin Port, Gardaí uncovered a secret, lead‑lined compartment beneath the floor carpet containing 167,000 Xanax tablets, valued at €334,950. The van had arrived from Manchester on 4 July of the previous year. The owner, Conor Kealy, 42, of Gleann na hEorna, Springfield, Tallaght, pleaded guilty to importing controlled drugs. He was sentenced by Judge Martin Nolan at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court to four and a half years' imprisonment, a sentence backdated to the July offence. Kealy claimed he was unaware of the compartment's contents. He has 21 prior convictions, including two drug offences, and has a history of addiction dating back to his teens. The court noted his vulnerability and the role of drug debt in his actions. He is reportedly adapting well to prison life.
Alan Ward, 56, was convicted of murdering his wife Catherine Doyle, 41, by stabbing her on 1 March 2019. He pleaded diminished responsibility, claiming a stroke in 2017 had caused a mental disorder. At trial, the State's psychiatrist, Dr Damian Smith, referenced Ward's history of violence and argued alcohol intoxication was the likely cause of the murder, while the defence psychiatrist, Dr Paul O'Connell, acknowledged a brain injury and PTSD but declined to opine on the ultimate issue of diminished responsibility. Ward's appeal argues that Dr Smith should not have been allowed to give opinion evidence on the ultimate issue, as this should be decided by the jury. The Court of Appeal will reserve judgment on the appeal. The article reports the trial facts and the appeal's legal contentions but does not state any outcome of the appeal.
John Murphy, a 43‑year‑old married secondary school teacher, was found guilty of sexually exploiting a 16‑year‑old girl via Instagram between June 2017 and June 2018 and of possessing child pornography in 2008 and 2010. He pleaded guilty at Wicklow Circuit Criminal Court in July 2023. The Court of Appeal, after reviewing a probation report that highlighted Murphy's hostility to women, medium risk of reoffending, and the serious impact on the victim, ruled that the original one‑year sentence was too lenient. The appeal court doubled the sentence to three years, suspended the final 12 months, and clarified that the effective custodial term is 24 months. The decision was based on aggravating factors such as the prolonged communication, explicit sexual content, and the victim's vulnerability, while mitigating factors like Murphy's lack of prior convictions and cooperation with Gardaí were deemed insufficient to offset the seriousness of the offences.
In January 2023, Marian Calderas, a 39‑year‑old bin‑man employed by Key Waste Management Ltd, was found intoxicated at work on the Greenhills Road, Tallaght. After colleagues discovered he was drinking alcohol, they escorted him to the canteen where he slept. CCTV later showed Calderas, at 2.25 am, using a code to access a bin‑lorry room, then driving a 2017 bin lorry into three other lorries. The collisions caused €87,000, €38,000 and €49,000 in damage, totaling €175,998. Calderas pleaded guilty to three counts of criminal damage. Judge Martin Nolan sentenced him to three years' imprisonment, suspended in full, and ordered him to pay €5,000 immediately and €7,250 within a year. He was dismissed for gross misconduct and has no prior convictions. The case highlights the impact of alcohol‑related workplace incidents on both the employee and the employer.
A man with over 60 previous convictions has been sentenced to 18 months in prison at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court for making a series of hoax phone calls containing serious threats. Thomas McDonagh, aged 41 and of no fixed abode, pleaded guilty to three emergency calls made on 15 August 2019 and a further false report on 26 August that year. The calls included threats to visit the home of a former State Pathologist armed with an AK-47 rifle, claims of explosives at Castlerea Prison and threats against a Ballaghadereen coroner's residence. Judge Martin Nolan stated that whilst the threats may have been implausible, emergency services were obliged to take precautions, which appeared to be McDonagh's intention. The judge noted McDonagh harboured a grievance against the State following his brother's death in custody four years prior. McDonagh made full admissions when interviewed in May 2021, attributing his actions to intoxication and distress around the anniversary of his brother's death. The defence submitted that McDonagh has since secured accommodation and undertaken rehabilitation steps.
In a court hearing on 14 February 2024, Garda David Currivan delivered a victim impact statement after suffering serious spinal injuries when hit by a banned driver, Charanand Flannery, who had 116 prior convictions. Currivan, who was at an M50 checkpoint dealing with a minor traffic infringement, was struck by Flannery's black Toyota Avensis, which accelerated toward him. The collision left Currivan with fractured vertebrae, nerve damage, severe back pain, and ongoing medical treatment, including 102 injections over 18 months. He has been unable to progress in his career and now works on restricted desk duty. Flannery pleaded guilty to reckless endangerment and possession of over €10,000 of cocaine, was sentenced to five and a half years in prison, and was disqualified from driving for five years. The judge described his behaviour as unforgivable and highlighted his long‑standing involvement in drug offences and prior convictions. The sentence also included a concurrent three‑year term for cocaine possession.
James Connors, 35, was sentenced to two years' imprisonment after pleading guilty to offering a 14‑year‑old girl €1,000 for sex in a Dublin suburb on 6 June 2021. Connors approached the girl while she waited for her mother in a hotel, told her he would give her money after they had "made love", and continued to talk to her until she fled. The girl's mother confronted Connors, who then attacked her, punching and kicking her in a nearby park before attempting to escape. Connors was arrested after Garda Amber Dunne and a passerby intervened. He claimed he did not realise the girl's age and that he had only offered money. The court noted his 71 prior convictions and his history of substance misuse. Judge Martin Nolan imposed the custodial sentence, citing Connors' behaviour and the seriousness of the offence.
Samy Taib, aged 22, was sentenced to five years' imprisonment, with the final 12 months suspended for two years, for a series of offences including assault, coercive control, endangerment and dangerous driving. The court noted that Taib's victim endured significant psychological and physical harm, including permanent damage to her foot. Taib pleaded guilty to two counts of assault causing harm, one count of coercive control, and several traffic offences. He was found to have a history of mental health issues, diagnosed with paranoid schizophrenia after the offences, and was taking medication at sentencing. His defence argued that his undiagnosed mental state should have led to a greater reduction in the sentence. The Court of Appeal considered the mitigating factors but did not alter the imposed term, leaving the suspended portion and custodial period unchanged. The case remains at the appeal stage.
Adam Murphy, aged 22, pleaded guilty to the manslaughter of Ian McDonnell on 23 January 2022. Murphy and co‑accused Keith McCormick Smith, also 22, were involved in a spree of vehicle thefts. On the day in question, Murphy stole McDonnell's car while he was at work, drove off with McDonnell on the bonnet, and threw him from the bonnet onto the road where he died shortly after. The court heard CCTV footage of the incident and the subsequent disposal of McDonnell's vehicle. Judge Dara Hayes sentenced Murphy to 12 years' imprisonment, suspending the final 2½ years on strict conditions, and disqualified him from driving for 12 years. McCormick‑Smith received a three‑year, two‑month sentence, with the final 12 months suspended, and a seven‑year driving disqualification.
In a Dublin Circuit Criminal Court hearing on 9 February 2024, Cal Redmond, aged 26, pleaded guilty to reckless endangerment and dangerous driving for incidents on 24 July 2018 in Foutunestown Way and Bawnlea Avenue. Redmond had 15 prior convictions, two driving bans and a suspended sentence at the time. A Garda patrol car, en route to a stabbing incident, was diverted when Redmond was observed driving 80‑100 km/h, making a sudden left turn that forced two children to jump out of the way, driving on the wrong side of the road and through red lights. He was arrested after stopping in Bawnlea Avenue and running into a garden. The court noted his mental health difficulties and ADHD, and that he was attempting to turn his life around.
Dale Kavanagh, 29, of Arklow, was sentenced to two and a half years' imprisonment for assault causing harm, unlawful seizure of a vehicle and driving without insurance. He was driven to Dublin by a man to buy crack cocaine, then attacked that man, hijacked his car with a knife and dragged the owner about ten metres. Garda Tom Balfe reported that Kavanagh had been driven to Dublin for drug purchase, that the car owner was known to him, and that the hijacking involved a knife and the theft of €200. Kavanagh pleaded guilty, was found to have a history of drug use from age 14 and heroin addiction from 21, and was described by his lawyer as remorseful and drug‑free.
In a Dublin Circuit Criminal Court hearing, Shane Byrne (35) and his brother Luke (28) pleaded guilty to assault causing harm and criminal damage after a St Stephen's Day incident at Boomers Bar, Woodford Walk, Clondalkin. The brothers, who had been refused further drinks, entered the pub, damaged the exterior and several parked cars, and then attempted to re‑enter after the pub was closed. A customer tried to stop Luke, who pushed him to the ground, causing a 90‑degree ankle twist and a bad fracture that required surgery. Both brothers then kicked and punched the victim, who was off work for three and a half months. Judge Martin Nolan sentenced Shane to 16 months in prison, describing him as the "initiator" of the "obstreperous behaviour", while Luke received a fully suspended 16‑month sentence and was ordered to pay €4,000 to the victim or a charity of the victim's choice.
An Irish couple had €177,000 earmarked for a retirement home stolen in a phishing scam and transferred to a money mule. Mark Farley, 42, allowed his bank account to be used in the fraud and pleaded guilty at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court to handling the proceeds of criminal conduct between 8 and 18 December 2020. He received a fully suspended sentence of three years. Farley has 16 previous convictions, including traffic, public order and criminal damage. The judge said Farley had run up a debt and that third parties had taken advantage of his hold over him, but that his own activities put him under their sway. The authorities discovered the fraud in time and the €177,000 was returned to the couple within 16 days. Farley's account was frozen and he had not used it for some time, though it had been used for his electrician business.
Gerard O'Keeffe, 44, of Tallaght, pleaded guilty to possessing child pornography on his phone. He was found with four videos, ranging from 2½ to 30 minutes, three classified as Category 1 (explicit sexual acts involving female children) and one as Category 2 (children exposing genitalia). Gardaí, alerted by the Garda Online Child Exploitation Unit, seized his phone under a warrant; he cooperated, handed it over, and admitted to downloading the material from a chat website used by 50–60 users over three to five months. O'Keeffe, who has a prior assault conviction from his teens, expressed remorse and shame, and a letter of apology was presented. Judge Martin Nolan imposed a fully suspended two‑year sentence, noting no aggravating factors and ordering one year of probation supervision. The case was heard at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court on 7 February 2024.
In a landmark ruling, the Court of Appeal held that CCTV footage can be used as evidence in criminal trials, rejecting arguments that its use breaches constitutional and EU rights. Mr Justice John Edwards, in the case of Philip Dunbar, who murdered a homeless man with a disability by stabbing him 183 times, said that where such evidence exists, it would be a dereliction of duty if Gardaí did not access and use it. He noted that data protection laws allow CCTV processing when necessary and proportionate for preventing, detecting, investigating or prosecuting crime. The judge described the footage as highly relevant, obtained from private homes, businesses and public places such as footpaths, roads, a public park, a bus and a shopping centre. He dismissed the appeal, stating that the arguments were "lacking in reality" and that no rights were breached.
Philip Dunbar, aged 23, was found guilty of murder after stabbing Adam 'Floater' Muldoon 183 times in an unprovoked attack in Tallaght in 2018. He appealed his conviction, arguing a mental disorder caused by chronic drug use and that CCTV evidence infringed his privacy. The Court of Appeal, hearing via video-link, dismissed all grounds. Justice John Edwards noted the appeal was "bordering on un-statable" and that privacy claims were "misconceived". He emphasised that without an expert opinion proving a mental disorder at the time of the murder, the defence could not rely on that defence. The court also rejected arguments about the admissibility of admissions and a key witness's evidence. Dunbar remains imprisoned, with no changes to his sentence announced. The case highlights the court's stance on mental disorder defenses and CCTV use in criminal trials.
Tadhg Keely, 19, was sentenced at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court for stealing a Toyota Aqua from Belview Court, Blackrock, Co Dublin, and endangerment on the N81 Tallaght bypass. He pleaded guilty to these charges and further admitted to dangerous driving on the N7 in Naas, Co Kildare. Judge Martin Nolan described the incident as extremely dangerous, noting Keely's "disgraceful behaviour" when he drove through traffic cones, forcing a workman to "jump for his life." The court heard Keely led ten garda patrol cars on a 40-minute chase at speeds exceeding 160km/h, blowing two tyres and driving on the wrong side of the road. He was sentenced to three and a half years in prison, with the final year suspended due to his young age, guilty plea, and difficult background. Judge Nolan disqualified Keely from driving for three years and ordered one year of probation supervision upon release. Keely, who has 36 previous convictions, was in State care at the time. The matter was finalised with this sentence.
Wayne Gilligan, 28, was sentenced to three years' imprisonment and a three‑year driving disqualification after pleading guilty to endangerment, criminal damage and dangerous driving. The offence occurred on 10 February 2020 in Tallaght when Gilligan drove recklessly, narrowly avoiding collisions with several vehicles and forcing school children to run off the road to escape being struck. Garda Vincent Jaffray described how Gilligan's car, lacking a front bumper, was driven at high speed, over speed bumps, through red lights and in the wrong direction around a roundabout, causing damage to a patrol car and another vehicle. Gilligan's 89 prior convictions, many for road traffic offences, were noted by Judge Martin Nolan, who accepted his remorse and progress in prison while on remand. The judge emphasised that the custodial term was imposed before the driving disqualification. The case was prosecuted by Diana Stuart BL.
Edward Wall, 32, of Newtown Park, Tallaght, was sentenced to five‑and‑a‑half years in November 2022 for the burglary of an unoccupied residence belonging to an Asian restaurant owner in Carlow Town. The burglary, committed with three others in December 2019, was part of a gang that targeted Asian businesspeople. Wall was on bail for burglary, trespass and handling stolen goods at the time of the offence and had 33 prior convictions. Judge Eugene O'Kelly imposed a six‑year term, suspending the final six months, and also sentenced two older co‑defendants to six years with 18‑month suspensions and a younger co‑defendant to a fully suspended three‑and‑a‑half year term. Wall's appeal to reduce his sentence was dismissed by the Court of Appeal, with the judge affirming that the sentencing reflected appropriate parity and mitigation considerations.". Edward Wall pleaded guilty.
Dublin Circuit Criminal Court sentenced four men for money laundering offences linked to €121,000 stolen from a Dublin solicitors' firm via invoice redirect fraud. Judge Martin Nolan warned that the court is "totally fed up" with young money mules using "stupidity as a shield" and stated that those providing bank details after January 2022 face potential custody. Cameron Fanning, 25, pleaded guilty to two counts of money laundering and one count of giving false information to gardaí. He was sentenced to three and a half years in prison, suspended in full on strict conditions. The judge noted the court would not use Fanning as a "sacrificial lamb" given his reckless but believable explanation. Mubarak Salawu, 22, pleaded guilty to one count of money laundering and possessing €600 Balenciaga runners bought with proceeds of crime; he received a suspended two-year prison sentence. Olumide Lawal, 27, admitted to two counts of money laundering and possession of an iPhone bought with proceeds of crime; he was also given a suspended two-year prison sentence. Aaron Clancy, 21, pleaded guilty to possessing €3,020 in proceeds of money laundering and a further unrelated count of possessing €4,650 in proceeds of crime; he received a suspended two-year prison sentence. The judge noted that for Salawu, Lawal, and Clancy, the amounts involved were lower and all three were young men with their "futures in front of them".
Richard Cox, 40, of Tallaght, pleaded guilty to one count of possession of child pornography on 26 October 2020. Gardaí, acting on confidential information, searched his home on that date and seized a mobile phone, two Xboxes and a USB stick. The phone contained 269 images and 39 videos of child abuse; 53 images and 39 videos were category one, showing children in or witnessing sexual activity. A production order from Google Ireland recovered an additional 110 images and 37 videos that had been automatically uploaded to the cloud. Cox admitted to accessing the material while at home during a Covid‑19 lockdown, when he was not working and was taking drugs and drinking. He had no prior convictions and cooperated with Gardaí. The court, noting the early guilty plea and his cooperation, imposed a two‑and‑a‑half‑year sentence, fully suspended on strict conditions, and referred him for therapy to address underlying addiction issues.
Ryan Kelly, 24, of Crumlin, pleaded guilty before the Special Criminal Court to possessing a .38 special calibre Smith & Wesson revolver and five rounds of ammunition on 23 November 2021 at Captain's Road, Dublin 12. He answered only "guilty" when the charges were read. Kelly also faces a charge of participating in or contributing to activity that could facilitate a serious offence by a criminal organisation, knowing of its existence, on the same date. Prosecutor Anne Marie Lawlor said the State will file a nolle prosequi on this final charge when Kelly appears for sentencing in April. Brendan Grehan SC noted Kelly's full compliance with bail conditions. Judge Caroline Biggs extended his bail to 8 April, when he and co‑accused Anthony Walker will appear for a sentence hearing. Walker, 52, also pleaded guilty to possession of a revolver and ammunition on 23 November 2021, and faces a pending charge of ammunition possession, with a plea required on 8 April.
In a Dublin Circuit Criminal Court hearing, Adam Murphy, aged 22, pleaded guilty to manslaughter after he threw businessman Ian McDonnell from the bonnet of McDonnell's own car while attempting to steal it. Murphy also pleaded guilty to multiple counts of vehicle theft, attempted vehicle theft, property theft and possession of stolen property. His co‑accused, Keith McCormick Smith, also pleaded guilty to similar offences. The court heard that McDonnell was stopped at his business, Ozone Car Sales, and that Murphy and Smith had stolen several cars earlier that day. CCTV footage showed Murphy driving McDonnell's car, accelerating, and throwing McDonnell 46 metres before the car was abandoned. McDonnell was taken to Tallaght Hospital but died on 28 January 2022. The court noted the maximum sentence for manslaughter is life, but the Director of Public Prosecutions suggested a 10‑15 year range. The case was adjourned for finalisation on 12 February.
Anthony Walker, 52, pleaded guilty before the Special Criminal Court to possessing a .38″ special calibre Smith & Wesson revolver on November 23, 2021, on the south side of Dublin. He admitted that the circumstances suggested he had not obtained the firearm for a lawful purpose. A separate charge of possessing five rounds of .38 ammunition in similar circumstances remains active. Walker is also charged with participating in or contributing to activities that could facilitate a serious offence by a criminal organisation, knowing of its existence. The court ordered a psychological report and remanded him on continuing bail until April 8, when sentencing will occur. His co-accused, Ryan Kelly, 24, faces similar possession charges and a charge of facilitating a serious offence, with his trial date set for January 11 next year. The trial is expected to last four weeks.
In a Dublin suburb, three brothers – Michael (30), Thomas (39) and Patrick (20) – were caught by Garda helicopter digging up nearly €80,000 in coffee jars at a field in Keatings Park, Rathcoole, on 14 August 2020. The cash, believed to come from burglaries, was found in Lidl coffee jars, with loose cash and a smashed jar, and was damp, suggesting recent excavation. The brothers had earlier approached local businesses to inquire about groundworks on the land and asked that the works be stopped, but were told a builder was removing hedges. They claimed they were building horse fences. Initially charged with money‑laundering, they pleaded guilty to possession of stolen property. The court adjourned sentencing to 4 March 2024 for mitigation pleas. The case involved the "Wall organised crime group" and was investigated with confidential information that the brothers were seeking buried cash. The brothers were arrested and identified on Garda footage.
Stephen Cunningham, 55, of Cushlawn Park, Tallaght, was sentenced to three and a half years in prison, with the final 12 months suspended, after pleading guilty to dangerous driving causing serious bodily harm to Paul Sutton, 55, on 25 October 2022. Cunningham reversed his car onto the footpath, striking Sutton who fell to the ground and suffered a shattered knee, requiring two surgeries and six weeks in hospital. The court heard that Cunningham had no evidence of speeding, had been waiting at his home for Gardaí, and had handed over the car keys. He was disqualified from driving for ten years. The judge described the act as a "moment of madness" and noted Cunningham's early guilty plea and previous good character as mitigating factors. No evidence of alcohol or drugs was presented. The incident caused lasting mobility issues for Sutton, who can no longer walk or run.