At Dublin Circuit Criminal Court, Andrew Cash Senior, aged 58, of Whitechurch Heights, Rathfarnham, Dublin 16, was sentenced to two years imprisonment after pleading guilty to providing false information to Irish Passport Services. His daughter-in-law, Mary Cash, aged 35, formerly of Portlaoise, County Laois, received a fully suspended sentence of two and a half years for her involvement in the same offence, committed on 12 June 2019 at Balbriggan Passport Services office. The court heard that Cash Senior and Mary Cash assisted in obtaining a fraudulent passport application under a false name for Andrew Cash Junior, who has since fled the jurisdiction. Mary Cash travelled to Sligo using an assumed identity to acquire a birth certificate necessary for the application. Investigation revealed that a senior member of An Garda Síochána had also been implicated in stamping the false documents. Judge Roderick Maguire noted Cash Senior's 31 previous convictions but acknowledged his absence from garda attention since 2019 and efforts at self-improvement.
Michael Doran, 39, of Whitechurch Way, Ballyboden, Dublin 16, was refused bail after being accused of trying to take a car at a Circle K garage. He faces charges of unauthorised taking, driving without insurance, driving without a licence and criminal damage. Judge Áine Clancy ordered him into custody pending a Cloverhill District Court appearance.
In a case heard on 23 October 2025, Nafisa Xussein, aged 57, was sentenced to a nine‑month term of imprisonment for careless driving causing serious bodily harm after she collided with a motorbike on the M50 northbound at junction 6, Blanchardstown. The collision left the motorcyclist with a broken wrist, fractures to his collarbone, ribs and pelvis, and bruising to his right lung and pelvis area. The victim, a semi‑retired diving instructor, described the injuries as having "irrevocably changed" his life, requiring four weeks in hospital, three surgeries and extensive physiotherapy. Xussein pleaded guilty to the single count of careless driving, had no prior convictions, and cooperated fully with Gardaí. The judge, Jonathan Dunphy, accepted her apology and mitigating circumstances, including her role as a single mother, and imposed a nine‑month sentence suspended for 12 months, with no driving disqualification. The sentence was delivered in the presence of the victim's impact statement.
Mark Kavanagh, aged 48, was sentenced by Judge Orla Crowe to a global term of six years and nine months, with the final 18 months suspended on strict conditions. The sentence follows a high‑speed chase on 28 April 2024 in which Kavanagh attempted to ram a Garda patrol car, drove at speeds up to 120 km/h, and was later apprehended after the vehicle crashed. He pleaded guilty to endangerment, criminal damage, dangerous driving, driving without insurance, and failing to provide a blood or urine sample. Kavanagh also pleaded guilty to two counts of burglary and handling stolen property in 2024, including an intrusion into the home of an 85‑year‑old man on 10 June 2024, where a key was taken. He has 168 prior convictions, including burglary, trespass, firearms and drug offences, and is disqualified from driving until 2030.
Richard McGreevy, 29, was sentenced at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court after pleading guilty to two counts of making a threat to kill or cause harm. Judge Martin Nolan imposed a prison sentence of three and a half years, with the final 15 months suspended on strict conditions. The court heard that McGreevy posted videos on TikTok in July last, in which he allegedly threatened Sinn Féin leader Mary Lou McDonald and Garda Commissioner Drew Harris. Although the judge found no intention to carry out the threats, he described them as extreme and frightening. McGreevy's defence counsel described him as a lonely keyboard warrior acting from impulse, citing his mental health issues and remorse. Deputy McDonald, who was not present, read a victim impact statement stating she was left in fear by the threat but would not allow any bully to prevent her from doing her job. Commissioner Harris declined to provide a statement, noting his complaint captured the impact. Martin Lanigan, Deputy McDonald's husband, made the initial complaint. The matter was finalised with the imposition of the sentence.
Richard McGreevy, 28, pleaded guilty in Dublin Circuit Criminal Court to two counts of making threats to kill or cause serious harm to Sinn Féin leader Mary Lou McDonald and Garda Commissioner Drew Harris. The threats were made on 16 July without lawful excuse, with the intent that the recipients would believe they would be carried out. McGreevy appeared via videolink from Cloverhill Prison. The judge ordered victim impact statements and remanded him in continuing custody for sentencing in March.
Boris Barcanec, 35, was sentenced by Dublin Circuit Criminal Court to three years and nine months in prison, with the final 12 months suspended, for drug‑dealing offences. He had pleaded guilty to possessing €66,000 worth of cannabis, ecstasy tablets and amphetamines for sale or supply at his home in Whitechurch Road, Dublin 14, on 5 July 2021. Gardaí seized multiple plastic bags of cannabis (estimated street value €62,248), amphetamines (€2,527) and 156 MDMA tablets (€1,560) from his garage and living room, along with drug paraphernalia. Barcanec admitted buying around €20,000 of cannabis and about 300 MDMA tablets for €1,000, claiming the drugs were for personal use and for friends at a party. He stated he had been in Ireland for five years, was working as a garden landscaper earning €460 per week, and had no prior convictions.
Boris Barcanec, 35, pleaded guilty to possessing cannabis, ecstasy tablets and amphetamines for sale or supply at his Dublin 14 home. Gardaí, acting on a confidential tip‑off, searched the house after witnessing a suspected drug transaction outside. They seized over €66,000 worth of drugs: plastic bags of cannabis valued at €62,248, amphetamines worth €2,527, and 156 MDMA tablets worth €1,560, along with drug paraphernalia. Barcanec admitted the cannabis was for sale, that he also used ecstasy, and that he had paid about €20,000 for the cannabis, which he described as poor quality. He claimed to have bought 300 MDMA tablets for around €1,000 the previous weekend. Barcanec, originally from Croatia, said he had been in Ireland for five years, was in debt, and was working as a garden landscaper earning €460 per week. He has no prior convictions. He apologized to gardaí, stating he would "rather do honest work" and expressed remorse.
Kathleen McDonagh, 21, received a suspended three‑year prison sentence for money laundering. She owned €23,715 of luxury goods – two Chanel handbags, Louis Vuitton bags, belts, shoes, Christian Louboutin shoes and two diamond rings – and a high‑end car bought with €25,750 cash in July 2019. Gardaí seized the vehicle and the goods when they searched her home in January 2020. Between March 2018 and December 2019, deposits totalling €98,828.88 were made into her AIB, post office and credit union accounts. McDonagh pleaded guilty to three counts of money laundering between March 2019 and January 2020, with two further charges considered. She had no prior convictions and was aged 17 to 19 during the period covered by the charges. The court noted that the money and goods were most likely proceeds of burglaries and thefts committed by a former partner, who is now in Scotland under a European Arrest Warrant.
In a Dublin Circuit Criminal Court hearing, Lateef Lawal, aged 24, was sentenced to three and a half years for assault and false imprisonment of Karl Duggan at the Peter McVerry Trust homeless shelter on 1 July 2021. The court heard that Lawal beat Duggan for over an hour and a half, stripped him of his clothing, held him captive, and posted a ten‑second Snapchat video of the assault. Lawal also stole Duggan's mobile phone, gym bag and six grams of cannabis, for which he accepted responsibility. The judge noted the seriousness of the assault and false imprisonment, describing the conduct as "totally unacceptable behaviour." Lawal's prior convictions for drug possession and sale were considered, but the sentencing focused on the assault and false imprisonment. The victim's impact statement was not read in court. The case highlighted the use of social media evidence in criminal proceedings. Lateef Lawal pleaded guilty.
Rebecca Mukoko, a 21‑year‑old nursing student, was charged with one count of money laundering for acting as a money mule in a fraud that cost an international energy company €6,541. She supplied her bank card, PIN and online banking details to a "friend of a friend," who used her account to transfer the money. Mukoko claimed she was pressured and received no financial benefit. She had no prior convictions. Judge Martin Nolan accepted her "bad error of judgment," noted her good future prospects, and, after a six‑month period of good behaviour, discharged her from the indictment, imposing a €400 fine. The judge warned that similar cases would likely result in custodial sentences, stressing that this discharge is not a precedent. The court heard that the fraudulent transfer involved a Kuwaiti energy company and that the money was withdrawn via an ATM and online transfer. Rebecca Mukoko pleaded guilty.
In a Dublin Circuit Criminal hearing, 21‑year‑old Kathleen McDonagh pleaded guilty to three counts of money laundering for the period March 2019 to January 2020. Gardaí seized €23,715 worth of luxury goods, a high‑end car bought for €25,750 in cash, and discovered deposits totalling €98,828.88 in her AIB, post office and credit union accounts between March 2018 and December 2019. McDonagh's only income at the time was her lone parent's allowance. She was not the target of the original investigation and had no prior convictions. The court considered her a direct beneficiary of the illicit proceeds but not the perpetrator of the primary offences. Judge Melanie Greally adjourned sentencing to 4 May to allow a Probation Service assessment, and McDonagh was remanded on bail until that date. The case highlighted her possession of unexplained assets linked to a partner serving a burglary sentence and a European Arrest Warrant.
Rebecca Mukoko, a 21‑year‑old nursing student from Whitechurch Heights, Ballyboden, Dublin, pleaded guilty to one count of money laundering for acting as a money mule in a fraud that cost an international energy company €6,541. She supplied her bank card, PIN and online banking details to a "friend of a friend," who used her account to defraud the company. Mukoko received no financial reward and said she was pressured into the act. Judge Martin Nolan accepted that she made a bad judgment error and, recognising her good future prospects, ordered a €400 fine and a one‑year period of good behaviour. If she remains out of trouble for that year, the judge will discharge her from the indictment, avoiding a criminal conviction. The court noted that other young people in similar cases may face custodial sentences. The case involved a Kuwaiti energy company that unknowingly transferred the money to Mukoko's account after a hacked email exchange.
Kusika Kudia, a 55‑year‑old taxi driver from Whitechurch Lawn, Ballyboden, was found guilty of sexually assaulting a passenger on 13 February 2020. The victim, who was collecting her bag from the car, described how Kudia wrapped his arms around her, kissed her without consent, and forced his tongue into her mouth. She said she went into "survival mode" and escaped to her home. Kudia admitted to kissing her but denied using his tongue. He pleaded guilty at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court. Judge Karen O'Connor, citing his lack of prior convictions and early guilty plea, imposed a nine‑month sentence suspended on conditions including 12 months under Probation Service supervision. Kudia remains employed as a taxi driver. The court did not read the victim impact statement. The case was prosecuted by Elva Duffy BL and defended by Keith Spencer BL.
In a shocking incident on 6 September 2021, Darren Brennan, 30, of Whitechurch Road, Ballyboden, Dublin, approached two toddlers in a buggy outside their home and used a mini blowtorch to burn the cheek of a two‑year‑old boy. Brennan, who was high on magic mushrooms and taking anti‑psychotic medication, was captured on CCTV and later identified by Gardaí. He denied harming the child at first, claiming he had merely intended to pat the boy, but later admitted the attack to his psychiatrist. The boy's parents gave emotional victim impact statements, describing the event as a "dark" day that left their son traumatised, fearful of strangers, and with ongoing sleep difficulties. Brennan pleaded guilty to assault causing harm and was sentenced by Judge Martin Nolan to three years' imprisonment, with the final 16 months suspended under conditions. The case highlighted the severe emotional impact on the family and the child's ongoing recovery.
In a case heard at the Dublin Circuit Criminal Court, 64‑year‑old Colm Dowling pleaded guilty to arson at Whitechurch Shopping Centre, Ballyboden, on 27 July 2020. He set fire to an empty commercial unit he believed belonged to a woman he knew, thinking that damaging the property would help her with her inheritance. Dowling admitted he had been drinking and taking medication that night, citing an alcohol problem that had resurfaced after his brother's death in 2018. Garda John Dalton reported that the fire spread from the empty unit to an adjoining Centra shop, causing about €200 in damage to the unit and €2,500 to the shop. Dowling, who has three prior convictions, was identified on CCTV and arrested the following day. The judge, Elma Sheahan, noted his remorse and his efforts to address his alcohol dependence, but required further proof of sobriety.
James Doran, aged 29, was sentenced to 28 months in prison for an aggravated burglary that took place on 12 January 2013. He broke into the home of a taxi driver in Dublin 16, armed with a knife, and demanded €400. The victim's wife and five‑year‑old son were locked in a bedroom while Gardaí arrived. Doran threatened the victim with the knife, who sustained a cut on his thumb while defending himself. Doran was arrested at his own home after a warrant was issued in February 2014 when he failed to attend a sentence hearing. He had fled to the UK, was extradited back to Ireland in August 2023, and has been in custody since. Judge Martin Nolan imposed a five‑year sentence, suspending all but 28 months on strict conditions. The case was heard in the Dublin Circuit Criminal Court. James Doran pleaded guilty.
Sean Kearns, 33, was given a three‑year suspended sentence and ordered to pay €10,000 to Marcelo Valencia after he deliberately drove through Valencia on Drimnagh Road, Crumlin, on 27 August 2014. CCTV showed Kearns driving straight at the cyclist, who was cycling along the road when a car passed close to him. Kearns, who had previously admitted to driving the car, denied that he knocked Valencia down. Valencia suffered minor injuries and has since fully recovered. Kearns pleaded guilty to endangerment. The judge, Martin Nolan, described Kearns as "intemperate and reckless" and noted mitigating factors such as his good work history and efforts to improve. The sentence was suspended on conditions including payment of the €10,000 within two years. The case was heard in Dublin Circuit Criminal Court.
The jury in the Dublin Circuit Criminal Court trial of six men accused of falsely imprisoning former Tánaiste Joan Burton and her adviser Karen O'Connell has been adjourned to continue deliberations. Judge Melanie Greally sent the jurors home after they failed to reach a verdict following one hour and 53 minutes of deliberation. The accused—Paul Murphy, Kieran Mahon, Michael Murphy, Michael Banks, Scott Masterson, and Frank Donaghy—have all pleaded not guilty to the charges, which allege they restricted the women's liberty without consent on November 15, 2014. The prosecution claims the men engaged in a joint enterprise to restrain the victims, while the defence argues the men were exercising their right to peaceful assembly and that any obstruction was merely a nuisance. In her charge, Judge Greally instructed the jury to treat video footage as the primary evidence and to consider the actions of gardaí, including potential mishandling of the protest. She also highlighted specific defence arguments, such as Paul Murphy taking steps to end the restraint and Scott Masterson's actions being inconsistent with intent to imprison. The judge noted that the absence of statements from attendees might be relevant to suggestions of a Garda agenda. The matter was adjourned, with the jury instructed to resume deliberations tomorrow.
The jury in the Dublin Circuit Criminal Court trial of six men accused of falsely imprisoning former Tanaiste Joan Burton and her adviser Karen O'Connell has retired to consider its verdicts. On day 37, Judge Melanie Greally urged the jury to be "fearless" and set aside political sympathies or views regarding the water charges context. The defendants—Paul Murphy, Kieran Mahon, Michael Murphy, Michael Banks, Scott Masterson, and Frank Donaghy—all pleaded not guilty to restricting the women's liberty without consent on November 15, 2014. The prosecution alleged the men intentionally and totally restrained the women by obstructing their vehicles during a protest. The defence argued the men were exercising their constitutional right to peaceful assembly and that the obstruction was merely an inconvenience, not total restraint. Judge Greally instructed the jury that false imprisonment requires total restraint with no reasonable means of escape. She highlighted that if a safe egress existed, such as leaving on foot or reversing the vehicle, the charge could not stand. The judge also directed the jury to determine whether the protest was peaceful, noting that this finding would influence how they viewed the actions of both the accused and the gardaí. Although the maximum penalty for false imprisonment is life imprisonment, the judge stated that sentencing is a matter for the court alone and urged the jury to focus solely on guilt or innocence. The jury was sent home for the day, with deliberations to resume the following afternoon.
The jury in the trial of six men accused of falsely imprisoning former Tánaiste Joan Burton and her adviser Karen O'Connell is due to begin deliberations on Monday. On day 36 at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court, Judge Melanie Greally confirmed she will deliver her charge on Monday morning before the jury retires. The defendants, Michael Banks, Paul Murphy, Kieran Mahon, Michael Murphy, Frank Donaghy, and Scott Masterson, have all pleaded not guilty to the charge of falsely imprisoning the women by restricting their personal liberty without consent on November 15, 2014, at Fortunestown Road, Jobstown, Tallaght. The prosecution alleged the accused surrounded the victims' cars, with Sean Gillane SC citing video footage of Banks making gestures and yelling at the women. Defence counsel Ciaran O'Loughlin SC argued in closing submissions that the State failed to prove the specific offence of false imprisonment, suggesting the incident was caused by the large crowd size rather than deliberate intent. He urged the jury to disregard evidence of Banks' vulgar language towards a garda, stating such conduct is not a crime. The matter is now at the sentencing stage, with the jury set to determine the verdict following the judge's instructions.
The trial of six men accused of falsely imprisoning former Tánaiste Joan Burton and her adviser Karen O'Connell at Fortunestown Road, Jobstown, Tallaght, on November 15, 2014, has heard closing arguments. Solidarity TD Paul Murphy, Kieran Mahon, Michael Murphy, Frank Donaghy, Michael Banks, and Scott Masterson all pleaded not guilty to the charges. Defence counsel for Frank Donaghy argued that his client was a peaceful protestor who merely held a banner, contending that the charge of false imprisonment, which carries a potential life sentence, was unfair and disproportionate. Counsel for Scott Masterson similarly argued that his client's presence and leading of non-abusive chants did not constitute false imprisonment, highlighting that the women were able to exit the vehicle. The defence characterised the incident as a spontaneous political protest rather than a criminal conspiracy. The matter is currently at the sentencing stage, with the trial continuing before the Dublin Circuit Criminal Court.
The trial of six men accused of falsely imprisoning former Tánaiste Joan Burton and her adviser Karen O'Connell at Fortunestown Road, Jobstown, Tallaght, on November 15, 2014, has heard closing arguments. Solidarity TD Paul Murphy, Councillor Michael Murphy, Councillor Kieran Mahon, Frank Donaghy, Michael Banks, and Scott Masterson have all pleaded not guilty to the charges. Defence counsel for Councillor Michael Murphy argued that gardaí decisions were "unwise and inappropriate," claiming police failed to negotiate early and that video footage disproved prosecution evidence. He stated his client attempted to de-escalate the situation. Counsel for Councillor Kieran Mahon described his client as a political activist who did not use force or threaten violence, arguing that fear caused by violent disorder from others, not his actions, prevented the women from leaving. He criticized the arrest of his client as an abuse of power. The prosecution countered that Councillor Murphy interfered with gardaí and acknowledged the women were not free, while Councillor Mahon returned to the scene and participated in the sit-down protest. The trial continues before Judge Melanie Greally.
In a Dublin Circuit Criminal Court trial, a jury heard arguments over the case of Solidarity TD Paul Murphy, aged 34, and five other men accused of falsely imprisoning former Tanaiste Joan Burton and her adviser Karen O'Connell on 15 November 2014. The defendants claimed not guilty. The prosecution, led by Sean Gillane SC, argued that the defendants' actions amounted to a total restraint of liberty, describing the event as a coordinated effort to detain the two women in vehicles for three hours during a protest at An Cosán adult education centre. Defence counsel Sean Guerin SC countered that the defendants were not involved in violent or abusive conduct, that the protest was political, and that the alleged restraint was a response to a fear of violence. The trial, presided over by Judge Melanie Greally, continues with the jury expected to decide on the charges of false imprisonment.
In the Dublin Circuit Criminal Court, Judge Melanie Greally discharged Ken Purcell from the indictment on day 27 of the trial. Prosecution counsel Sean Gillane SC entered a nolle prosequi regarding the two charges against Mr. Purcell, meaning the case proceeds no further against him. Mr. Purcell, 50, of Kiltalown Green, had pleaded not guilty to falsely imprisoning former Tanaiste Joan Burton and her adviser Karen O'Connell by restricting their personal liberty without consent at Fortunestown Road, Jobstown, Tallaght, on November 15, 2014. The remaining six defendants—Paul Murphy, Kieran Mahon, Michael Murphy, Frank Donaghy, Michael Banks, and Scott Masterson—also pleaded not guilty to the same alleged offence. The prosecution case is now concluded, and the jury will not be required again until later this week. The trial continues for the remaining accused.
Dublin Circuit Criminal Court heard evidence in the ongoing trial of eight defendants, including Frank Donaghy, Paul Murphy, Kieran Mahon, Michael Murphy, Ken Purcell, Michael Banks, and Scott Masterson. All have pleaded not guilty to the alleged false imprisonment of Joan Burton and her adviser Karen O'Connell by restricting their personal liberty without consent at Fortunestown Road, Jobstown, Tallaght, on November 15, 2014. The matter is currently at the sentence stage, though the trial continues before Judge Melanie Greally and a jury. Garda Chris Moylan testified that he attended Mr. Donaghy's home on February 12, 2015, to arrest him. Mr. Donaghy, who has no previous convictions, told gardaí he joined the protest while getting petrol and participated in a sit-down behind Ms. Burton's car. He described the atmosphere as peaceful until gardaí attempted to remove individuals from the vehicle. Defence counsel Padraig Dwyer SC highlighted that Mr. Donaghy was frank during questioning and that it was never suggested he directly stopped the victims from leaving. The prosecution, led by Sean Gillane SC, noted the maximum penalty for the offence is life imprisonment. The court heard that Mr. Donaghy questioned how protesting could constitute false imprisonment. The trial continues.
The trial of seven defendants, including Kieran Mahon, Michael Murphy, Frank Donaghy, Ken Purcell, Michael Banks, Scott Masterson, and Paul Murphy, continues before Judge Melanie Greally and a jury at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court. All defendants have pleaded not guilty to the alleged false imprisonment of Ms Burton and her adviser Karen O'Connell at Fortunestown Road, Jobstown, Tallaght, on November 15, 2014. On day 23 of the proceedings, Detective Garda Darren Rooney testified regarding the arrest of Mr Masterson at his Tallaght home on February 9, 2015. While acknowledging that Mr Masterson's four-year-old child was present, Det Gda Rooney denied that the defendant was handcuffed in front of the child, rejecting defence claims that the action was excessive. He stated handcuffing was for safety. Separately, Detective Garda Conor Fleming described the arrest of Councillor Kieran Mahon at his home at 6.50am on the same date. Fleming confirmed that six plain-clothes gardaí attended, four of whom were armed, and that Mr Mahon's children, aged 10 and 13, were in the house. He stated that Mr Mahon cooperated and no firearms were produced. The court heard that Mr Mahon was taken to Tallaght Garda Station for interview. The trial is ongoing, with no findings, sentences, or finalisations recorded at this stage.
The trial of seven men, including Solidarity TD Paul Murphy and Councillor Michael Murphy, continues at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court before Judge Melanie Greally and a jury. The defendants, who include Kieran Mahon, Frank Donaghy, Ken Purcell, Michael Banks, and Scott Masterson, have all pleaded not guilty to falsely imprisoning former Tanaiste Joan Burton and her adviser Karen O'Connell by restricting their personal liberty without consent at Fortunestown Road, Jobstown, Tallaght, on November 15, 2014. On day 22, the court heard transcripts from Councillor Michael Murphy's February 2015 garda interviews. When shown protest footage, he repeatedly stated the video "speaks for itself" and asserted that the rights of both sides were "balanced." He further told gardaí, "There will be no issue explaining that to any judge," regarding comments about Ms Burton's safety. Detective Garda David Connolly testified to the arrest and interviews. Garda John Healy described being verbally abused by protesters and threatened by two men who attempted to rob him of his wedding ring and equipment. He alleged Paul Murphy displayed a "blatant disregard" for safety and was the most senior person present. The trial is ongoing, with no findings, sentences, or finalisations recorded.
The trial of seven men accused of falsely imprisoning former Tánaiste Joan Burton and her adviser Karen O'Connell on November 15, 2014, continued at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court. The defendants, Paul Murphy, Kieran Mahon, Michael Murphy, Frank Donaghy, Ken Purcell, Michael Banks, and Scott Masterson, have all pleaded not guilty to the charges. On day 22, Garda Jonathan Ryan testified that he arrived at Fortunestown Road, Jobstown, to find the women in a car surrounded by protesters. He described the scene as extremely hostile, noting that a cordon formed to protect the women dissolved quickly, leaving them swarmed by the crowd. Garda Ryan stated that protesters deliberately blocked a Garda jeep, creating dangerous bottlenecks. He recounted helping a woman who fell over, after which defendant Michael Banks allegedly called him a "woman beater, a disgrace, a uniformed scumbag and a coward." Garda Ryan also testified that Paul Murphy held a vote among protesters regarding Ms Burton's movement, which he described as unanimous to keep her in the area, with Murphy appearing pleased. Under cross-examination, defence counsel challenged the witness's recollection, citing video footage showing Murphy voting to move the car. The trial continues before Judge Melanie Greally and a jury.
The trial of seven men accused of falsely imprisoning former Tánaiste Joan Burton and her adviser Karen O'Connell continues in Dublin Circuit Criminal Court. Paul Murphy, Michael Murphy, Kieran Mahon, Frank Donaghy, Ken Purcell, Michael Banks, and Scott Masterson have all pleaded not guilty to restricting the women's liberty without consent at Fortunestown Road, Jobstown, Tallaght, on November 15, 2014. The defendants allegedly trapped the pair in a car and a garda jeep for up to three hours during an anti-water charges protest. On day 21, Detective Garda Richard Hansen testified that the two Murphys were in control of the crowd and should have walked away from the escalating situation. He described the event as nearly a riot, noting that people were being assaulted. The jury reviewed video footage showing a vote taken among protesters on whether to keep or march the minister out. While defense counsel argued that Paul Murphy's actions constituted passive resistance, the witness maintained they were acts of aggression. The trial is ongoing before Judge Melanie Greally and a jury.
The trial of South Dublin Councillor Michael Murphy and six co-defendants is ongoing at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court. All seven men, including Solidarity TD Paul Murphy, Kieran Mahon, Frank Donaghy, Ken Purcell, Michael Banks, and Scott Masterson, have pleaded not guilty to falsely imprisoning former Tánaiste Joan Burton and her assistant Karen O'Connell during a water charges protest in November 2014. Garda Fionnuala Whelan testified that Councillor Murphy was more concerned about negative publicity than public safety, alleging he taunted the Tánaiste and riled the crowd rather than calming it. She interpreted his suggestion to give Burton sanctuary in a church as a threat to her safety rather than a proposal to Gardaí. Conversely, defence counsel argued Murphy used his influence to de-escalate aggression. Detective Garda Richard Hansen described the scene as a "Hillsborough type" situation, noting Paul Murphy sat in front of the vehicle carrying the Tánaiste, though he accepted under cross-examination that Murphy had proposed a slow march. The jury reviewed video footage of the incident. The matter is currently at the sentence stage, with cross-examination continuing.
Garda Fionnuala Whelan testified at the Dublin Circuit Criminal Court during day 19 of the trial of Paul Murphy, Frank Donaghy, Ken Purcell, Michael Banks, and Scott Masterson. All five defendants, along with three others, have pleaded not guilty to falsely imprisoning then Tánaiste Joan Burton and her adviser Karen O'Connell on November 15, 2014, at Fortunestown Road, Jobstown, Tallaght. Whelan described the atmosphere as hostile and volatile, stating she feared for her safety and that of the women. She recounted being pushed, kicked, and verbally abused while attempting to escort the pair through a crowd. Whelan identified Murphy, Masterson, Donaghy, and Kieran Mahon among protesters sitting on the road. She stated Murphy resisted her attempt to remove him and was held down by others. Defense counsel Sean Guerin SC suggested the situation was stable until Whelan "manhandled" Murphy, a claim she rejected. Whelan noted that Murphy's shirt was pulled off during the struggle but stated her priority was safety. She also described Michael Murphy as appearing to control events, advising protesters to stop abuse to avoid negative publicity. The matter remains at the trial stage with no findings, sentences, or finalizations recorded.
During the 18th day of the trial of Solidarity TD Paul Murphy and six others for the 2014 anti‑water charges protest in Jobstown, Sergeant Michael Phelan testified that he was struck on the back of the head with a can of Red Bull that burst open. Phelan described a chaotic scene in which protestors hurled "missiles" such as cigarette lighters, branches and twigs at Gardaí while attempting to restrain former Tanaiste Joan Burton and adviser Karen O'Connell. He said the crowd surrounded the Avensis car that held the women, then moved them to a Garda jeep, with officers trying to protect them but being shoved and struck. Phelan also reported that a female colleague was shoved from behind and fell. The accused men, including Scott Masterson, deny the charges and claim they were present for a peaceful protest. The trial continues with the jury now reduced to 11 members.
In the Dublin Circuit Criminal Court, the trial of Solidarity TD Paul Murphy and six other men for allegedly falsely imprisoning former Tanaiste Joan Burton and adviser Karen O'Connell during a 2014 anti‑water protest has progressed to day 18. A female juror was absent, and Judge Melanie Greally discharged her, allowing the jury to continue with 11 members—seven men and four women. The defendants, including Paul Murphy (34), Michael Murphy (53), Kieran Mahon (39), Frank Donaghy (71), Ken Purcell (50), Michael Banks (46) and Scott Masterson (34), deny the charges. They are accused of restricting Burton and O'Connell's liberty by holding them in a Garda car and later a Garda jeep for up to three hours near Fortunestown Road, Jobstown, Tallaght, after the women attended a local graduation ceremony. The trial remains ongoing.
During a trial in Dublin Circuit Criminal Court, defence barrister Raymond Comyn challenged Garda Lorna Loughney's testimony about Councillor Michael Murphy's conduct at a 2014 water‑charges protest. Comyn argued that Murphy was not asking the crowd whether Joan Burton should be given sanctuary in a church, but was instead shouting to the guards with suggestions on how to handle the situation. He cited video footage showing Murphy speaking to the guards, not to the crowd, and pointed out that Loughney's statements did not mention a sanctuary question. Loughney admitted she had not included such a question in her first statement but recalled hearing Murphy say it. Comyn also disputed Loughney's claim that Murphy used a loud‑speaker outside the church, noting the footage did not show him with one. The case remains before Judge Melanie Greally and a jury.
At a Dublin Circuit Criminal Court hearing on 19 May 2017, Superintendent Daniel Flavin denied allegations that he was part of a conspiracy to pervert the course of justice in relation to the 2014 anti‑water‑charges protest in Tallaght. The case concerns the alleged false imprisonment of TD Joan Burton and her adviser Karen O'Connell by six men, including TD Paul Murphy, who were charged with restricting the women's liberty on Fortunestown Road. Flavin rejected claims that he had given a false or incomplete statement, and insisted he had only reported what he observed, including the crowd's violence and the actions of Paul Murphy. He stated that his priority was to secure the safety of the two women and all present. The trial, presided over by Judge Melanie Greally, continues with a jury of twelve.
The trial of seven men, including Solidarity TD Paul Murphy, South Dublin Councillors Kieran Mahon and Michael Murphy, and four others, continues before Dublin Circuit Criminal Court. All defendants deny charges of falsely imprisoning former Tánaiste Joan Burton and her aide Karen O'Connell by restricting their liberty during a protest in Jobstown, Tallaght, on November 15, 2014. Garda Marion Power testified that she felt she was going to be "crushed" by the crowd while shielding Ms. Burton, reporting that protesters banged on vehicles, pushed against them, and shouted abuse. Superintendent Daniel Flavin stated he transferred the women to a jeep for safety due to the hostile environment. He noted that Mr. Murphy addressed the crowd via loudhailer, asking if they would keep the women there all night, and later suggested removing the Public Order Unit would allow the jeep to move. Sergeant Brian Boland of the Public Order Unit explained that removing protesters was difficult due to their numbers and that their deployment is a last resort. The trial is ongoing before Judge Melanie Greally and a jury.
At the Dublin Circuit Criminal Court, the trial continues for Paul Murphy TD, South Dublin Councillors Michael Murphy and Kieran Mahon, along with four other men, who have pleaded not guilty to the alleged false imprisonment of former Tánaiste Joan Burton and her advisor Karen O'Connell at Fortunestown Road, Jobstown, Tallaght on November 15, 2014. The charges allege that the defendants falsely imprisoned the two women by restricting their personal liberty without their consent. During the trial, Sergeant Brian Boland testified that the Public Order Unit faced significant resistance from protesters, describing the situation as the most hostile and intimidating he had encountered since 2002. He stated that a suggestion by Paul Murphy to the gardaí led to the breaking of an impasse during the protest, allowing the garda Jeep to be freed. However, the situation did not fully resolve as protesters continued to block the road. The trial is ongoing before Judge Melanie Greally and a jury.
The trial of seven men accused of falsely imprisoning former Tánaiste Joan Burton and her advisor Karen O'Connell continues at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court. Solidarity TD Paul Murphy, South Dublin Councillors Michael Murphy and Kieran Mahon, and Frank Donaghy, Ken Purcell, Michael Banks, and Scott Masterson have all pleaded not guilty to the charges. The alleged incident occurred on November 15, 2014, at Fortunestown Road, Jobstown, Tallaght, where the women were reportedly held in vehicles for approximately three hours during a water charges protest. On day 14, Garda Brian O'Connor testified that he was dragged and punched by protesters while protecting the women. He stated that armed gardaí were present at the scene, leading to an order for plain-clothed officers to leave. The jury heard that the women were escorted through a human cordon to a Garda Jeep amidst aggressive crowds. The trial is ongoing before Judge Melanie Greally and a jury, with no findings, sentences, or finalisations recorded at this procedural stage.
The trial of Paul Murphy and six co-accused, including Dublin Councillors Michael Murphy and Kieran Mahon, continued at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court. The defendants have pleaded not guilty to falsely imprisoning Ms Burton and her advisor Karen O'Connell by restricting their personal liberty without consent at Fortunestown Road, Jobstown, Tallaght, on November 15, 2014. On the 12th day of the trial, Garda Inspector Derek Maguire denied making an agreement with Solidarity TD Paul Murphy to end the protest. While acknowledging that the Public Order Unit was withdrawn and a slow march resumed, Maguire stated this was a Garda tactical decision, not a negotiated agreement. He also denied recollection of specific conversations with Murphy, despite previous sworn statements suggesting otherwise. Video footage played in court showed protesters expressing animosity toward Murphy, with one shouting at him to "mind his own business." Defence counsel Sean Guerin SC argued that Murphy's actions, including calling for a vote on whether to keep Ms Burton, indicated an attempt to manage the crowd. Maguire testified that Ms Burton was removed from the church due to being assaulted with water balloons. The matter remains at the trial stage with no finalisation or sentence recorded.
The trial of Paul Murphy TD and six other men, including Dublin Councillors Michael Murphy and Kieran Mahon, is ongoing at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court. The defendants have pleaded not guilty to the alleged false imprisonment of former Tánaiste Joan Burton and her advisor Karen O'Connell on November 15, 2014, at Fortunestown Road, Jobstown, Tallaght. On day 11, the jury reviewed RTÉ footage showing Murphy telling a reporter that the detention was part of a "peaceful protest." Murphy stated the event was largely spontaneous and that protesters had the right to be angry. He claimed the protest ended peacefully when gardaí moved Burton to a patrol car, alleging some gardaí were aggressive. Footage also captured Murphy using a loud-hailer to ask if protesters would let Burton go. Garda Inspector Derek Maguire testified that the footage accurately reflected his memory, noting Murphy held a democratic vote on whether to detain Burton for the night. The matter was adjourned and is set to continue before Judge Melanie Greally and a jury.
The trial of eight men accused of falsely imprisoning TD Joan Burton and her advisor Karen O'Connell on November 15, 2014, continued at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court. The defendants, including Solidarity TD Paul Murphy, Dublin Councillors Michael Murphy and Kieran Mahon, and Frank Donaghy, Ken Purcell, Michael Banks, and Scott Masterson, have all pleaded not guilty to restricting the women's liberty without consent at Fortunestown Road, Jobstown, Tallaght. Katherine Zappone TD, who was an independent Senator at the time, testified that she felt Ms Burton was in "great danger" during the water charges protest. She described protesters closing in on the Tanaiste and reported the incident to gardaí after seeing the car surrounded and moved. During cross-examination, Ms Zappone acknowledged her opposition to water charges but maintained that the detention was menacing and intimidating. The court heard she did not agree with the violent nature of the protest, despite previous public statements. The trial is ongoing before Judge Melanie Greally and a jury, with no findings, sentences, or finalisations recorded at this stage.
At Dublin Circuit Criminal Court, Karen O'Connell, a former special advisor to Labour TD Joan Burton, gave evidence in the trial of Solidarity TD Paul Murphy and six other defendants. The seven men, including South Dublin councillors Michael Murphy and Kieran Mahon, have pleaded not guilty to charges of falsely imprisoning Ms Burton and Ms O'Connell by restricting their liberty without consent at Jobstown, Tallaght on 15 November 2014. During cross-examination, Ms O'Connell was questioned about language she used during the water charges protest, which was captured on video. She stated she was not proud of the remarks made and acknowledged using strong language while in a stressful situation after being confined in a car for three and a half hours. The court was shown video clips from both women's mobile phones. Ms O'Connell denied the language reflected contempt for protesters, explaining it referred to the conclusion of the demonstration. She maintained she believed in peaceful protest and had previously participated in the Shell to Sea campaign in County Mayo.
In the Dublin Circuit Criminal Court trial of Solidarity TD Paul Murphy and six other water protesters, former Tanaiste Joan Burton appeared as a witness. She denied that she omitted the term "water protesters" from her statement to gardaí to avoid giving them legitimacy, insisting she was simply describing what happened. Burton said she was not making political statements and that she was asked to recount the events. She described being trapped in a car for about three hours after a graduation ceremony, feeling the protest was "very unusual" and "scary and menacing." She noted that most protesters behaved peacefully, but some engaged in shouting, banging the car and pushing. Burton also said she believes people have a right to protest peacefully, though she disagrees with the behaviour of many protesters in that particular campaign. The trial will continue with her next appearance on Thursday.
Former Tanaiste Joan Burton denied being relaxed in the car where she was allegedly falsely imprisoned during a water‑charges protest on 15 November 2014. She told the Dublin Circuit Criminal Court that she suffered nightmares after the event and that she tried to keep her composure to avoid aggravating the protesters. Video clips shown to the jury showed her reading a newspaper article about Michael Collins and speaking to adviser Karen O'Connell about posting a message on social media about children "roaming" the area. Burton said she did not hear political slogans, only "peaceful protest" and "shame on you", and that she had been in a "fear‑filled atmosphere". She also described the protest slogans shouted outside the car, including "Enda Kenny in your ivory tower" and "Stick your water meters up your arse". The trial, presided over by Judge Melanie Greally, continues with a jury of seven men and five women.
In a Dublin Circuit Criminal Court hearing, former Tanaiste Joan Burton recounted a frightening encounter with anti‑water‑charge protesters on 15 November 2014 in Tallaght. She said she and her adviser, Karen O'Connell, were moved from a garda car to a waiting jeep amid a hostile crowd that shouted abuse and threw eggs. Burton described being struck twice in the back of the neck—first by a ball‑like object and later by a water bomb that drenched her hair and jacket. She recalled the crowd's violent surge, the loss of her shoe, and the fear of nearby children. The incident led to charges of false imprisonment against Paul Murphy, Kieran Mahon, Michael Murphy and four others, all of whom denied the allegations. The trial, presided over by Judge Melanie Greally, is ongoing.
In a Dublin Circuit Criminal Court hearing, Solidarity TD Paul Murphy (34) and six other water‑charge protesters were accused of "plainly involving" themselves in restricting the liberty of then Tánaiste Joan Burton and her adviser Karen O'Connell on 15 November 2014. The prosecution alleged that the men, including councillors Kieran Mahon (39) and Michael Murphy (53), had surrounded a garda jeep carrying Burton and O'Connell, preventing its movement and effectively trapping the two women for about two hours. The case was presented by Sean Gillane SC, who described the incident as an intentional or reckless restriction of liberty without consent, a form of false imprisonment under the 1997 Non‑Fatal Offences Act. All seven men entered not‑guilty pleas; the trial continues before Judge Melanie Greally. The prosecution's narrative focused on the alleged obstruction of the jeep and the failure of gardaí to move the vehicle, while the defendants maintained their innocence.
The trial of Solidarity TD Paul Murphy, aged 34, and six other men has commenced in Tallaght. They face charges of falsely imprisoning former Tánaiste Joan Burton and Karen O'Connell on 15 November 2014 at Fortunestown Road, Jobstown. The defendants, including councillors Kieran Mahon (39) and Michael Murphy (53), and four other men, have all entered not‑guilty pleas. Prosecutor Sean Gillane SC addressed the jury, urging them to set aside prejudice and sympathy and to focus on the evidence presented. He explained the investigative process: Gardaí investigate, secure evidence, and forward a file to the Director of Public Prosecutions, who decides whether to bring charges. Gillane emphasized that the prosecution bears the burden of proving the case beyond a reasonable doubt and that his role is to present the evidence clearly, not to pursue a conviction at all costs. The defendants are currently arraigned and awaiting further proceedings.
The trial of Solidarity TD Paul Murphy and six other men for falsely imprisoning former Tánaiste Joan Burton and her advisor Karen O'Connell was postponed because a juror could not continue. Judge Melanie Greally informed the eleven jurors that one had been lost and that a replacement would be selected the next morning. The jury, composed of five women and seven men, had been empanelled after a three‑and‑a‑half‑hour selection process that called over 100 potential jurors. The defendants – Paul Murphy (34), Kieran Mahon (39), Michael Murphy (53), Frank Donaghy (71), Ken Purcell (50), Michael Banks (46) and Scott Masterson (34) – had all entered not‑guilty pleas at the Dublin Circuit Criminal Court. Judge Greally reminded the jurors not to conduct independent research or discuss the case with family or friends.
A jury of five women and seven men was selected after a three‑and‑a‑half‑hour process that called over 100 potential jurors. The jury will hear the trial of Solidarity TD Paul Murphy (34) and six other men, including South Dublin councillors Kieran Mahon (39) and Michael Murphy (53), on charges of falsely imprisoning former Tánaiste Joan Burton and Karen O'Connell at Fortunestown Road, Jobstown, Tallaght on 15 November 2014. All defendants have entered not‑guilty pleas. Judge Melanie Greally informed the panel that the case is expected to last six weeks and that the trial will begin at 2 p.m. tomorrow. She set strict criteria for juror eligibility, excluding those with personal connections to the parties, substantial knowledge of the events, employment with Irish Water or related agencies, or strong public positions on water charges.